EXAMINING THE EDUCATIONAL IMPACT OF SCHOOL VISITS ON CULTURAL LEARNING AND HERITAGE AWARENESS: CASE STUDY OF BAIT SHEIKH SAEED BIN HAMAD AL QASIMI MUSEUM

Abstract

This study examines the educational impact of school visits to the Bait Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamad Al Qasimi Museum in Kalba, United Arab Emirates, with a focus on pupils’ cultural learning and heritage awareness. Using a descriptive-analytical design, data were collected from pupils, teachers, and museum staff through questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Findings reveal that interactive activities, particularly pottery workshops and storytelling sessions, were the most effective in engaging pupils, aligning with constructivist and experiential learning theories. Pupils reported significant knowledge gains and heightened pride in Emirati culture, while teachers emphasized the visits’ role in reinforcing curriculum content. Museum staff highlighted successes in outreach but noted challenges such as large group sizes, limited time, and resource constraints. The study confirms the vital role of heritage museums as educational partners, not only in knowledge transmission but also in identity formation. It calls for stronger school-museum collaboration, improved curricular integration, and balanced use of digital technologies to sustain meaningful cultural learning experiences.