Museums have long been relegated to the role of mere custodians of historical artifacts and information. However, in the era of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) policy, this trove of historical knowledge becomes a potent learning resource.
Recognizing this, the UGM Museum orchestrated a national webinar titled “The Role of University Museums in the MBKM Era: Internship at the Museum,” a commemoration of the UGM Museum’s decade-long journey on Wednesday (Dec. 13).
At the heart of MBKM lies the concept of personalized learning—a tailored educational experience aligned with individual interests.
According to Professor Gandes Retno Rahayu, the Director of Education and Teaching, while learning opportunities beyond classrooms aren’t novel, they find their zenith at the university level. Nonetheless, personalized learning must be adapted to various educational facets.
“Personalized learning yields myriad benefits—enhanced effectiveness, personalized experiences, heightened satisfaction, bolstered motivation, heightened engagement, enriched experiences, collaboration, and several other aspects. So, the possibilities with personalized learning are vast,” Professor Rahayu opined.
With its recent recognition as an MBKM partner, the UGM Museum must now transition from being a repository of historical artifacts to an integral part of student learning. Professor Rahayu elucidated that a well-crafted learning program is the linchpin for transforming the museum into an optimal space for personalized learning.
To shape this program, the museum must first pinpoint potential learning needs. When visitors tour the museum, the focus should be on more than just the artifacts but should extend to encompass the curation process and museum management.
“Museum management can be examined from myriad perspectives, such as financial considerations, networking with other museums, and more. The diverse potential needs hinge on the museum’s collection,” Professor Rahayu added.
To redefine museums’ role as educational havens, collaboration among museums, fostered through a museum management network, is imperative. The competencies of museums that stand out as exemplary can serve as guiding lights for others. Identifying these learning needs ultimately paves the way for achieving students’ learning objectives.
While still in its infancy, the Indonesian Higher Education Museum Network (JMPTI) plays a pivotal role in amplifying museum development.
Established on Apr. 19, 2019, and spearheaded by Dr. Ciwuk Musiana Yudawasthi, JMPTI boasts an international network through the University Museums and Collections International Council of Museum (UMAC ICOM).
According to Dr. Yudawasthi, university museums wield immense potential. Unfortunately, these museums fail to realize their full potential as educational references.
“Universities serve as the ignition point for cultivating a passion for museums. The historical trajectory of museums worldwide attests to this indirectly. Initially, museums were exclusive, frequented solely by the educated elite. With the inception of its modern museum, Oxford University challenged this exclusivity,” Dr. Yudawasthi expounded.
This initiative amalgamates various forums and galleries with university museums, rendering them more captivating and transformative learning hubs. Realizing the full potential of university museums in Indonesia necessitates unwavering support.
Author: Tasya