Browsing by Author "Somay, Berin"

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Observing Art Workshops in İstanbul Modern Museum as an Informal Learning Environment for Children
(Kadir Has Üniversitesi, 2017) Somay, Berin; Kepez, Orçun; Kepez, Orçun
Museums do not only preserve artifacts based on historical events or exhibit unique artworks that is forbidden to touch, but also provide educational settings that are regarded as informal learning environments. Since the educational opportunities have become prominent, museums started to consider pre-school and school-age children. Although "education" is generally associated with formal learning, education programs are not only limited to school-based subjects. While children can learn new things about art, nature or science, they can also practice what they learn at the same time. This study aims to understand informal learning experiences of children at art workshops designed for them, by observing their behaviors. A case study conducted at Istanbul Modern Museum including five different art workshops for children between the ages of 7 and 12 were observed. Workshops were two hours long and every fifteen minutes an observation cycle initiated. An observation cycle was consisted of filling observation charts, taking notes and photographs. Children's behaviors were evaluated as part of the workshops based on their focus and activity levels. As a result of the analyses of five workshops, it was discovered that 1) when children had more control while they were learning, their active participation and focus levels increased 2) children actively participated mostly at the production process, 3) handicraft materials such as paper, paint and pencil, positively affected the performance of children.