Short answer

Design educational experiences that connect students directly with cultural heritage sites and narratives to cultivate informed and engaged future stewards.

Field: Classic Design
Source: Journal of Tourism Theory and Research (2022)
Method: Quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-intervention assessments.
Sample: 33 participants
Evidence: Strong effect

Educational initiatives that actively engage young people with cultural heritage can significantly increase their knowledge and foster a sense of responsibility for its preservation. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2022 study published in Journal of Tourism Theory and Research. Using Quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-intervention assessments. with 33 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design educational experiences that connect students directly with cultural heritage sites and narratives to cultivate informed and engaged future stewards.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactStrong effect

Heritage education programs can foster future custodians of cultural assets.

Educational initiatives that actively engage young people with cultural heritage can significantly increase their knowledge and foster a sense of responsibility for its preservation.

Journal of Tourism Theory and Research · 2022

Key Findings

01Students demonstrated limited prior knowledge of tangible and intangible cultural heritage assets.
02The educational program, including presentations and field trips, significantly increased students' knowledge of cultural heritage.
03Participants expressed an intention to share their newfound knowledge with their social circles.
04The experience influenced some students' consideration of heritage-related fields for higher education.

Application

Design takeaway

Design educational experiences that connect students directly with cultural heritage sites and narratives to cultivate informed and engaged future stewards.

How to apply

Develop immersive educational modules that combine classroom learning with guided excursions to historical sites, incorporating multimedia and storytelling elements.

Project actions

01When researching cultural heritage, consider how to make it engaging for a target audience.
02Think about using a mix of methods, like presentations and hands-on activities, to teach about a topic.
03Document how participants' understanding or attitudes change after an intervention.

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate the impact of an educational program on high school students' awareness and knowledge of local cultural heritage assets.

MethodQuasi-experimental study with pre- and post-intervention assessments.

ProcedureStudents were surveyed to gauge their prior knowledge of local cultural heritage. Following this, they received an educational presentation and participated in a guided field trip to significant historical and cultural sites. Post-intervention surveys and qualitative feedback were collected to assess changes in knowledge and attitudes.

Sample33 participants

ContextHigh school education, cultural heritage preservation, tourism education.

Variables

IVEducational intervention (presentation + field trip).

DVStudent knowledge of cultural heritage, student attitudes towards cultural heritage.

CVStudent's prior knowledge, student's academic field (foreign language).

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Utilized a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative (pre/post assessment) and qualitative (student statements) data.
+Focused on a practical application of heritage education with clear potential for real-world impact.

Limitations

The findings might not apply to all regions or all types of cultural heritage. The sample size was relatively small.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity is supported by the pre- and post-assessment design. Reliability could be enhanced by using standardized assessment tools and a larger, more diverse sample.

Think critically

To what extent can the observed increase in knowledge be attributed to the novelty of the experience versus the inherent quality of the educational content?

Design Principles

"Experiential learning is a powerful tool for knowledge transfer and attitude formation regarding cultural heritage."

Understanding and valuing cultural heritage is crucial for its long-term survival. Designers and educators can leverage experiential learning, like field trips and interactive presentations, to instill this appreciation in younger generations, ensuring the continuity of cultural traditions and historical sites.

What This Means for Your Design

Teaching students about old buildings and traditions through fun trips and talks makes them know more and care more about keeping them safe for the future.

How to use in your project

1.Use this study to justify the importance of your design project if it involves cultural preservation or education.
2.Refer to the findings on increased knowledge and engagement when explaining the potential impact of your design.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the effectiveness of experiential learning in fostering cultural heritage awareness among youth. By engaging high school students through presentations and guided field trips to sites like the Dundar Bey Madrasa and Adada Ancient City, the study demonstrated a significant increase in their knowledge and appreciation of local heritage, suggesting that such educational approaches are vital for cultivating future custodians of cultural assets.

Source

Journal of Tourism Theory and Research

A study on transferring cultural heritage assets in Isparta province to new generations through high school students

journal · 2022

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about heritage education programs can foster future custodians of cultural assets?: Design educational experiences that connect students directly with cultural heritage sites and narratives to cultivate informed and engaged future stewards. Evidence: Journal of Tourism Theory and Research (2022).
Why does "Heritage education programs can foster future custodians of cultural assets." matter for design?: Understanding and valuing cultural heritage is crucial for its long-term survival. Designers and educators can leverage experiential learning, like field trips and interactive presentations, to instill this appreciation in younger generations, ensuring the continuity of cultural traditions and historical sites.
How can designers apply this research?: Design educational experiences that connect students directly with cultural heritage sites and narratives to cultivate informed and engaged future stewards.
What were the main findings?: Students demonstrated limited prior knowledge of tangible and intangible cultural heritage assets.. The educational program, including presentations and field trips, significantly increased students' knowledge of cultural heritage.. Participants expressed an intention to share their newfound knowledge with their social circles.. The experience influenced some students' consideration of heritage-related fields for higher education.
What research method was used?: Quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-intervention assessments. with 33 participants.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2022 journal from Journal of Tourism Theory and Research.
What should I do differently in my next project?: Develop immersive educational modules that combine classroom learning with guided excursions to historical sites, incorporating multimedia and storytelling elements.
What are the limitations?: The study was limited to a specific geographic region (Isparta province) and a particular student demographic (foreign language students).