Developed by:
Fundacja Digital Creators in collaboration with the Warsaw Museum
This workshop engages participants in exploring art and museums through observation, collaborative tasks, and creative exercises, enhancing language, cultural, and analytical skills.
- Group size limits: from 10 to 20 learners
- Time required: 2 hours
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Learn & Gain:
- Expand and reinforce vocabulary related to art and museums.
- Improve oral and written language expression through descriptions, discussions, and collaborative tasks.
- Develop observation and analytical skills by engaging with artworks and cultural spaces.
- Gain familiarity with local cultural institutions and their collections.
- Enhance teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving through interactive group activities.
Language skills developed
- Vocabulary skills
- Listening comprehension
- Syntax/Grammar
- Speaking skills
other extra-linguistic and communication skills developed
- Digital literacy
- Creativity
- Cultural awareness
- Teamwork / Collaboration skills
Materials and tools needed
For classroom-based activities:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Printed artworks/photographs/graphics from the museum collection (digital or print)
- Large paper or cardboard for mind maps and drawings
- Pens, pencils, colored markers
- Scissors, glue sticks (optional, for creative tasks)
For museum-based activity:
- Smartphones or tablets with internet connection (one per group)
- Prepared task sheets (as a non-digital alternative)
- Access to the museum exhibition (including interaction with staff if possible)
For closing/reflection activity:
- A set of printed photographs from the museum collection (at least 20, some may be repeated)
General:
- Space indoors (classroom/workshop room) for group work and discussions
- Space outdoors (museum exhibition) for exploration tasks
Step-by-step
Step 1 – Introduction / Ice-breaking / Group building
- One learner writes on the board while others dictate vocabulary related to art and museums.
- Learners explain the meanings of the words to each other.
- Together, they create a mind map as scaffolding for the whole workshop. Writers can switch roles.
Step 2 – Museum exploration through a mobile game
- Learners are divided into groups (max. 5 people).
- Groups choose names related to art.
- Each group receives access to a list of challenges (via a mobile app designed for scavenger hunts, or via printed task sheets if digital tools are unavailable).Tasks may include:
- Answering a written/multiple-choice question.
- Taking a photo or video according to instructions.
- Asking museum staff to explain or demonstrate something.
- The group with the highest number of correctly completed tasks within 45 minutes wins.
- The educator monitors learners’ progress (through the mobile app or by collecting task results) and uses this information for evaluation.
Step 3 – Describing art using Visual Thinking Strategy (VTS)
- Use prinetd artworks from the museum collection or show digitized objects
- Learners brainstorm together guided by educator’s questions:
- What do you see? / What is happening in the picture? (general nouns)
- What else do you see? / What else is happening? (adding adjectives/adverbs)
- Why do you see this? / Why is this happening? (interpretation, reasoning)
- The activity gradually shifts from description to deeper interpretation, combining art and language mediation.
Step 4 – Describe and draw
- Learners are divided into groups; each receives one printed image.
- Groups spend 5 minutes studying and describing their image.
- Each group selects a representative, who then switches to another group.
- Representatives must draw the new group’s image based only on oral descriptions (without seeing it).
- Drawings are presented and compared to originals.
- Representatives reflect: what was easy or difficult to draw and why.
Step 5 – Closing session / Feedback discussion
- The educator lays out 20 photographs (some may be repeated).
- Each learner chooses the photo that best reflects their feelings after the lesson.
- Standing in a circle, learners show their photo and explain their choice.
Potential risks and challenges
- Â Technical issues: Problems with smartphones, internet connection, or lack of devices could hinder the museum exploration activity.
- Engagement: If learners are not interested in art or museums, motivation may drop during activities.
- Logistics in the museum: Noise, crowded spaces, or restrictions from museum staff may disturb the flow of the activity.
recommendations for educators
- Test all devices and connections before the session. Have offline alternatives ready (printed worksheets, paper-based scavenger hunts, or discussion prompts). Ensure participants can complete the activity even without internet or devices.
- Connect activities to personal interests or familiar contexts. Include choices in tasks (e.g., selecting favorite artworks, figures, or storytelling prompts). Use gamification elements, role-playing, or creative challenges to keep motivation high.
- Plan for quiet or less crowded areas and check museum rules in advance. Use portable visual aids or small group formats to minimize disruption.
