Pre-service Teachers' Perception of the Role of Museums in Preschool Art Education

Zusammenfassung

Schools, through art education, and museums are both spaces that can contribute to the comprehensive development of pupils due to their practical, visual and motivational nature. However, at times their possibilities are not fully considered. This study aims to determine the perceptions of pre-service teachers regarding the relationship between museums and art education in early childhood education before and after a visit to a museum. 52 pre-service early childhood teachers from the University of Alicante were recruited for the study. The results revealed a positive attitude towards the museum both before and after the visit. They highlighted the museum's role as a source of knowledge and different aspects that favour the training of both pupils and teachers. The narrative coding was classified by theme, taking into account the museum's role as an enabler of interdisciplinary teaching and a methodological tool for meaningful learning, with purposes such as creative development and expression of feelings, among others. Aspects to be taken into account are also included and reflected upon. In conclusion, these kinds of tangible, real-life experiences are considered necessary as guidelines for pre-service teachers to help them enrich the education of the children in their future classrooms.