Museums in Qatar and their Educational Role in a Learning-Ecosystem Approach

Abstract

This article discusses the role of museums in Qatar as participants in an educational ecosystem. An educational ecosystem is an educational approach that involves a network of participants, rather than being confined to educational institutions and learners. This approach aims to increase the quality of education and achieve educational excellence through building a culture of lifelong learning. This article analyses the ways in which Qatar Museums (QM) embodies this approach, by considering its relationship with the education sector and local community. The objective of this evaluation is to identify how museums conceptualize their educational roles within the community and how these museums complement the educational-ecosystem approach which some educational institutions are already employing in Qatar. It is clear that, despite the fact that QM has a clear cultural and educational agenda, the gap between QM, the community, and the educational sector is apparent. Thus, I argue here that advocacy is vital for museums to support their new educational programs. In addition, a collaborative national agenda should be developed between the museum sector, educational sector, and community in order to encourage lifelong learning.