The Experiential Learning of Young Thai Visitors at Interactive and Ecomuseums in Phitsanulok Province, Thailand

การเรียนรู้จากประสบการณ์ของผู้เยี่ยมเยือนกลุ่มวัยรุ่นในพิพิธภัณฑ์ แบบอินเตอร์แอคทีฟและนิเวศพิพิธภัณฑ์ในจังหวัดพิษณุโลก ประเทศไทย

Abstract

Museums serve as recreational destinations that are increasingly capturing the interest of younger demographics, particularly interactive museums and ecomuseums. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the process of learning via museum visits among young visitors in Phitsanulok Province, a city renowned for its educational hub in the lower northern region of Thailand. This study employs the Chan Palace Historical Center as a model case of an interactive museum, whereas the Sergeant Thawee Buranakhet Folk Museum is utilized as a representative example of an ecomuseum. The study employed a qualitative research approach, utilizing in-depth interviews and direct observations to gather data from a sample of 20 individuals who belonged to the demographic of young adults aged 18 to 25 years old. The researcher utilized the theoretical framework of experiential learning in the investigation. The findings of the study revealed that the process of learning from the visiting museums of young visitors was delineated into three distinct stages. In the first stage, it involves visiting and sharing experiences. Based on the analysis of two case studies, it has been shown that the visitation of a museum engenders an interactive learning encounter, which can be regarded as an “educational experience.” This outcome is facilitated by the integration of technology inside displays and active engagement with the surrounding environment in proximity to the museum premises. The ecomuseum employs an immersive learning paradigm that aims to elicit an “emotional experience” through the strategic presentation of things that evoke a sense of nostalgia, as well as the intentional design of workshops and the overall environment within the museum premises. In the second step of analyzing and generalizing, it was identified that experiential learning is influenced by three primary components: personal factors, social factors, and physical factors. The third stage, known as application, involves the practical implementation of the concepts that have been derived from the learning experiences. The study revealed that young visitors who engaged in museum visits demonstrated an increased awareness of their own personal growth and maturation. The act of disseminating information and exhibiting a higher likelihood of returning, expressing gratitude and emotional connection to a certain location, and offering recommendations for the enhancement of a museum. The research findings will offer valuable insights to administrators regarding the transformation of museums into recreational destinations that facilitate experiential learning opportunities. These insights aim to attract a younger demographic of visitors to museums. It is imperative to prioritize the development of infrastructure to cater to the needs of all visitor groups. The process of preparing technology or learning-support technologies. This presentation aims to highlight activities that foster self-directed learning and facilitate engagement with the local culture or outdoor environments. Developing educational activities tailored to the particular interests of a given group and incorporating suitable amenities for the youth demographic, such as establishments offering coffee and souvenir merchandise, the region boasts stunning vistas and picturesque locations for photography.