ERIC Number: EJ1476572
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-8650
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
The Effects of Exhibit Design on Preschoolers' Peer Relationship Skills in Children's Museums
Jessica J. Luke; S. Warmer; N. Rivera; K. R. Nelson; T. Windleharth; A. Tung; K. Chen; M. Zhi
Journal of Museum Education, v50 n2 p166-175 2025
Social emotional learning (SEL) is seen as critical for children's lifelong success. Though most of the research on preschoolers' SEL focuses on school-based interventions, children's museums are valuable resources for fostering SEL. This study compared observations of preschoolers' peer relationship skills in three different types of children's museum exhibits to identify practical design implications. We observed 1179 preschoolers at 12 children's museums across three exhibit types: (i) loose parts exhibits; (ii) scenario-based exhibits; and (iii) collaborative activity exhibits. We used the Revised/Shortened Minnesota Preschool Affect Checklist (MPAC-R/S) to observe and document peer relationships skills. Results suggest that these skills vary according to exhibit type, with preschoolers engaging in more joining, cooperating, and listening behaviors in loose parts and collaborative activity exhibits than in scenario-based exhibits. Study findings provide insight into factors that might promote or inhibit preschoolers' peer relationship skills in children's museum exhibits.
Descriptors: Preschool Children, Peer Relationship, Interpersonal Competence, Museums, Social Emotional Learning, Exhibits, Learner Engagement, Cooperative Learning, Prosocial Behavior
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Washington (Seattle); Illinois (Chicago); Utah; Massachusetts (Boston)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A