intergenerational learning and volunteering in museums:
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Intergenerational learning and volunteering in museums: a Slovenian example of an educational project between the Third Age University and museums VALUE Conference, Ankara, 8–9 June 2011 Rajka Bračun Sova, Independent educator in culture, Ljubljana, Slovenia. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Intergenerational learning and volunteering in museums:a Slovenian example of an educational project between the Third Age University and museumsVALUE Conference, Ankara, 8–9 June 2011
Rajka Bračun Sova, Independent educator in culture, Ljubljana, Slovenia
(1) Museums, lifelong learning and volunteering
In Slovenia, older people have been targeted as museum audiences only recently.
In 2007 the Third Age University started the elderly-centred programme Cultural Mediators.
Less than half (43 %) of museums involve volunteers.
An intergenerational activity, involving individuals from youth to old age.
Community learning and voluntary work, aimed at personal growth and social inclusion of the elderly.
The Third Age University of Slovenia
1984 1 study circle1986 1 university2011 a network of 45 universities in 43 towns
We engaged U3A students as cultural mediators in museums on a voluntary basis.
Museums, culture, mediationconnecting subject and object in a museumtransforming museum experience in terms of meaningsdemocratizing access to museum collections
(2) Building partnership
National Museum of Slovenia (2007) + U3A LjubljanaArchitecture Museum of Ljubljana (2007) + U3A Ljubljana
Škofja Loka Museum (2008) + U3A Škofja LokaRadovljica Museums (2008) + U3A Škofja Loka
Dolenjska Museum Novo mesto (2009) + U3A Novo mestoNatural History Museum of Slovenia (2009) + U3A LjubljanaTechnical Museum of Slovenia (2009) + U3A LjubljanaSlovenian Etnographic Museum (2009) + U3A Ljubljana...
(3) Age-related cultural agenda
In a contemporary society, alongside ethnicity, race, gender, family, job, religion and health, age is becoming an increasingly important cultural identity system.
Older generation is not homogenuous.
Like other age groups, older people have certain characteristics: developmental and socio-cultural.
Mannheim in Field et al. 2008Jelenc-Krašovec & Kump 2010
Research into motivation of older adults (U3A students) for volunteering
U3A students would volunteer:1. To do something good for himself/herself and others2. To learn3. To contribute knowledge and skills
According to museum staff older people would volunteer:1. To contribute knowledge and skills
2. To become included in society again 3. To learn4. To cure loneliness
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“Knowledge, professional skills and attitudes displayed by those dealing with adult education, their ability to motivate adults to go on learning, are often decisive for their destiny. In post-modern times adult educators need different competencies from those they have needed so far.”
Findeisen (2004)
Thank you for your attention.