On the morning, April 12th, the meeting “Accessing the young generation through scientific and educational activities at museums” was held at the Vietnamese Women’s Museum. Participants were H.E Hugh Borrowman, Ambassador of Australia in Vietnam, Professor Graham Durant AM, Director of Questacon of the National Science and Technology Center in Australia, Madam Đặng Thị Bích Liên, Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Toàn, Vice Head of Cultural Heritage and museum preventatives in Vietnam.
Professor Graham Durant AM, Director of Questacon of the National Science and Technology Center in Australia is one of the scientists who have a lot of experience and knowledge in the museum field and science. Mr. Durant shared his work at the center and introduced some display models related to scientific topics such as the principles of music and sound; the body’s biology, the strength of light and movement, etc. All of them are based on creating a principle for the learning environment through experience and interaction. These activities bring high interaction and create an experience and interactive space for visitors. His center also applies modern techniques in order to access the young generation such as introducing exhibitions of the center on mobile phones or online workshops with scientists, schools in the whole country, and other countries.
Prf. Durant frankly shared with the participants: “Although I stay in Hanoi for a short time, I realized that students were really eager with the quiz questions, and scientific experiences at the exhibition “Thrilling Science” which was organized at the library of the Hanoi University of Science and Technology. We know that science is really interesting and suitable not only for students but also for all ages. Museums in Vietnam should focus on science in order that visitors could discover and experience which stimulates learning methods based on handling personal situations and persons’ demands. Inspire and arouse will lead to persons’ change and their behavior”.
Photo: Participants take photos after the meeting
Based on the reality of all museums in Vietnam, they have education programs for different ages. However, these programs are not interested in the young generation to the museums. The participants discussed enthusiastically with Pr. Durant about the way to attract visitors to the museums, especially young people as well as experience to organize educational activities outside the museums. From then on, the museums will learn valuable lessons, create effective ways so as to have proposals to improve the quality and efficiency of education and the scientific function of the museums.