Students as Partners in Researching Museum Collections Aimee Ward University of South Wales

The HEA Students as Partners in Practice Conference (Nov 2012) defined “students as partners” as: “Involvement of both parties at all stages and levels of decision making; Students having an active part in their experience rather than being passive learners; Advising each other as equals; Students getting involved and making a difference”.

Some Initial Responses Ann: “I was surprised by having to hand in one essay, because I was unsure how it would work, but after hearing more about it I like the idea and how everyone really needs to work together, not to let each other down”. Bill: “I really think by getting everyone to contribute, it will help others that struggle with essays and we can all help each other out”. Cath: “good way to interact with classmates and begin our course…”. Don: “unaware of how much work other peers will put in”.

Student reflections on group work throughout the project

Challenges and successes anticipated and experienced throughout the project

Students reported conflicting experiences Ian: “I find working in a group good. Work is completed faster” Jane: “Working in a group is good, however I feel independent working would be quicker…”. _______________________________________ Frank: “I’m enjoying being in a group to share ideas” Grace: she and her “…partner get on really well…so we are able to agree and disagree quite easily”. Harry: “My group partner is not picking up the phone or answering my text messages”.

ICOM: Museums are “in the service of society and its development, open to the public…for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment”. Cardiff Story Museum (est. 2004): “…giving the local community a sense of place, an introduction to their history, and a place to record, share and preserve memories”. “…rich in stories, objects, photographs and film telling the history of Cardiff through the eyes of those who created the city – its people”. “Help us tell your city’s story”.

Comments regarding researching objects in Cardiff Story Museum collection Dave (at introduction): “Loving the live project as it means that our time and effort will go towards something that makes a difference (not a normal research project that is graded and then forgotten)”. Liz (at hand-in): “I really enjoyed the project. I like the idea that your research and information you found actually goes to the museum so it could be documented”.