Museums as Learning Spaces: A Case Study of Enhancing ESP Students’ Language Skills in Kuwait University

Munirah Alajlan

doi:10.5539/elt.v14n2p1

Abstract

A number of studies have looked at the use of videos, audios, worksheets, and games as tools in language teaching/learning. Some studies have recommended art galleries as a space for language learning. This study investigated the use of museums for English for Specific Purposes (ESP) language learning. The study focused on engineering students studying in their third year at Kuwait University. The study aimed to provide an approach aimed at helping ESP instructors to teach materials to students in a fun, creative way. The study employed 11 engineering male students in a fieldtrip to one of the two science museums in Kuwait. Students were asked to write a narrative journal about their experience at the museum. The results showed that students&rsquo; narratives were written creatively, following the narrative structure block. The results also showed that it may be useful to introduce this type of learning to ESP courses because the museum has a great deal of information to exhibit, unlike traditional ESP books, which present limited scientific information. The study suggests that ESP (and ESL) courses should implement museum visits because such excursions have a significant impact on students&rsquo; language learning.

Highlights

1.1 Significance of the StudyStudies have confirmed the significance of field trips in terms of cognitive, motivational, affective, visual, social, and communication skills
This study investigated the use of museums for English for Specific Purposes (ESP) language learning
Science museums are learning spaces that open up critical possibilities to explore the scientific content, and allow students to explore the intersection between language, identity, and culture within ESL education

Summary

Introduction

Studies have confirmed the significance of field trips in terms of cognitive, motivational, affective, visual, social, and communication skills. These studies have shown that museum visits, regardless of whether it is an art, history, or science museum, help students develop their communication skills and knowledge. Few studies have looked at Arab ESL/ESP students and museum visits. This study explores students’ perceptions of a science museum visit in Kuwait and how a museum visit can help students enhance their language learning experience. I argue that ESL/ESP learners need a structure that creates a meaningful learning experience at the museum. Virtual spaces do not allow visitors to navigate through the reality of the real museum (Javier, 2019)

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