Museum Education for Students Living in the Time of COVID-19: Development and Trial of an Educational Program at Tojogaoka Historical Park

Abstract

A fieldwork program for university students was designed and implemented at the Tojogaoka Historical Park with the aim of creating positive images of the historical parks and gardens for young people. In addition, the program aimed to deepen their understanding of history and nature, and promote a perception of gardens as being both enjoyable and safes places. The program included a visit to the Tojo House, an explanation of the Tojo House and the Tokugawa family, and plant observation activities using the Hananona App. The outcomes of the study indicated that program participation did indeed produce positive attitudes about the buildings showing history as having historical value. Furthermore, the students developed positive attitudes about the Tokugawa family including developing a sense of familiarity, and a deeper sense of affinity with places associated with the Tokugawa family. Accordingly, the participants’ perspectives on history and the Tokugawa family appeared to have broadened and their understandings deepened. Finally, the experience also helped students to learn about plants and trees in connection with historical matters. And, importantly, it helped them recover from fatigue, and afforded them opportunities to think about things and to think about themselves.