'Let's go to the museum': An investigation of the expectations and learning engagement of prior-to-school aged children and their families

In contemporary society, many museums are striving to increase the involvement and engagement of visitors at all life stages. Therefore, sustainability of involvement is a significant issue as these museums seek to act as catalysts for life-long learning by engaging very young children and encouraging repeat visitations (Anderson et al., 2002; Everett & Barratt, 2009).The present study is a result of a collaboration between researchers from the Department of Educational Studies, Macquarie University and three museum partners: The Australian National Maritime Museum, Museums Victoria, and the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences. These museums wish to develop museum spaces and supports which reflect their shared view that learning involves citizens young and old in processes of inter- and intra- generational learningwhich happens within, and continues beyond, the physical location of the museum.The aim of this research was to investigate the involvement and learning engagement of families with prior-to-school age children in museums. Specifically, it asked:1. How museums can increase and sustain family involvement and learning.2. How inter- and intra-generational learning can be fostered in museum spaces.