Utilizing Museum Collections as a Learning Resource for Folklore Courses in the Indonesian Language Education Program

Abstract

The study of folklore is not solely theory and text oriented, it must also provide contextual learning experiences through authentic cultural artifacts. As institutions dedicated to cultural preservation, museums house collections that reflect the diversity of folklore. Based on this premise, this study was conducted to describe the utilization of museum collections as learning resources for folklore courses in the Indonesian Language Education Program at Malikussaleh University. This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach. The data sources for this study include the folklore course instructor, students, and the curator of the Samudera Pasai Islamic Museum. Data collection techniques involved observation, questionnaires, and documentation. Based on the research findings, it was discovered that museum collections have strong relevance as a learning resource for the folklore course; the utilization of museum collections can be carried out through various forms of activities and has a positive impact on students understanding of folklore material; however, the utilization of museum collections faces several constraints, including limited visitation time, transportation costs, and limitations in the collection and collection information. However, these challenges can be addressed by planning more effective schedules, fostering collaboration between the academic program and the museum, involving curators to explain the information within the museum, and digitizing the collection through the development of museum-based learning modules.