Valorization of Acadian and Indigenous Art and Artefacts in the Université de Moncton’s Collections: Inclusive and Immersive Experiential Pedagogy

Abstract

There is still a lack of studies regarding the role of university museums and collections in postsecondary education (Zaiane-Ghalia, 2023). This work shares how and why the Université de
Moncton’s museums and collections have been used within three courses: Recreation and
Culture, Canadian Art History, and Acadian Art History. These courses are open to students from
diverse programs. Their students are from various disciplines, countries, and cultural
backgrounds. For many, the experiential immersive activities done in these classes are the first
time that they set foot in the Acadian Museum or pay attention to the artworks that surround
them on campus. These activities impact the acquisition of knowledge and skills, as well as
interpersonal and future skills.
Immersive experiential pedagogy is very important for the introduction of cultural knowledge
within a framework of respect and inclusion (Zaiane-Ghalia, 2021). This work questions how
bringing students to cultural spaces like museums and showing them artworks and artefacts
help educators not only reach class objectives, but also help students better understand
minority cultures. One goal is to better comprehend how using these resources as part of the
learning process helps not only Acadian students better understand their own culture, but also
international students to better understand Acadia and Canada, and even lets them reconnect
with their own culture. Furthermore, it can contribute to reconciliation and to decolonization.
Through arts and culture, these three courses address various transdisciplinary notions, bringing
students closer to life issues, and notions of inclusion and citizenship.