Essence Of An Artifact: A Critical Perspective Of Artifact Interpretation

Authors

  • Lee Brodie Diefenbaker Canada Center, University of Saskatchewan

Abstract

In their educational role, museums offer learners of all ages an opportunity to view and interact with artifacts which complement an aspect of curriculum. It is the role of museum educators to create programs, including field study programs, which provide learners with enriching experiences. Such programs are important community educational resources. Through museum programs, artifacts are used to explain and interpret history and culture. Drawing from the works of critical theorists, this paper assumes a critical perspective of artifact interpretation, and museum program planning. Finally, a hermeneutic approach is offered as an alternative method to reading the artifact, and a template is suggested for museum program development which best enframes the hermeneutic approach to artifact interpretation. The paper is directed towards museum educators involved in the training of adult museum volunteers who deliver programs in cooperation with professionals working informal education systems.

Résumé

Les musées peuvent enrichir les programmes éducatifs existants en offrant aux apprenants la possibilité de dialoguer avec les artefacts historiques. C'est le rôle des musées de créer des activites d'enrichissement telles que des visites dirigées. Dans le cadre des programmes muséaux, les artefacts servent d'outils pour interpréter l'histoire et la culture. Cet article présente un point de vue critique face à l'interprétation muséologique et la création de programmes éducatifs. On y propose approche herméneutique pour l'analyse des objets, et on élabore un cadre pour la planification de programmes reflétant cette approche. Cet article inter- pelle les éducateurs en milieu muséal dont les responsabilités comprennent la formation de bénévoles agissant de cioncert avec les institutions d'enseignement.

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Published

1997-05-01

How to Cite

Brodie, L. (1997). Essence Of An Artifact: A Critical Perspective Of Artifact Interpretation. Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education, 11(1), 71–78. Retrieved from https://cjsae.library.dal.ca/index.php/cjsae/article/view/2067

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (1997)

Section

Perspectives

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