Blank Spaces and Bold Voices: Reimagining the Teaching of Asian American Experiences in Museums

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 1:45 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Museums and Counter-Narratives: Reimagining Teacher Education and Public Pedagogy with AANHPI Communities

Abstract

Faced with marginalization and misrepresentation of Asian American communities in the American education system, educators are urged to equip students with the skills, dispositions, and actions to confront anti-Asian racism. This multiple-case interview study explored how six museum educators teach Asian American experiences to learners with diverse cultural backgrounds in American museum settings. Framed by AsianCrit and Critical Pedagogy, this study identified three themes in these educational practices. This included approaching the complexities of Asian American experiences, connecting Asian American experiences with diverse learners, and emphasizing the role of the arts in Asian American museum learning. Hopefully, this study may empower Asian American communities, inspire non-Asian American communities, and promote more critical Asian American museum education practices towards social justice.

Author

• Siyao Lyu, Columbia University