ENHANCING CULTURAL HERITAGE LEARNING IN MUSEUMS THROUGH TANGIBLE INTERACTION: A STUDY OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AT MLEIHA ARCHAEOLOGY CENTRE

Museums play a crucial role in preserving and communicating cultural heritage, particularly for young learners. This study examines how tangible interaction and multisensory engagement enhance primary school students' understanding of cultural heritage in museum settings, focusing on Mleiha Archaeology Centre in Sharjah. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates questionnaires (200 students), interviews with museum educators, and observational analysis to assess how tangible interaction influences students’ comprehension of cultural heritage and their engagement with museum exhibits. Findings reveal that students engage more deeply and retain information better when physically interacting with exhibits. The most effective learning experiences included touching replica artifacts, participating in excavation activities, and engaging with digital storytelling. Survey results showed a strong preference for interactive over static text-based displays, with tangible interaction rated as the most effective modality (Mean Score: 4.50/5). Museum professionals highlighted challenges related to artifact preservation, budget constraints, and balancing digital and physical engagement. The study recommends expanding hands-on learning opportunities, integrating multisensory approaches, and strengthening school-museum collaborations. Additionally, museums should adopt a hybrid approach that combines digital tools with physical interaction to optimize educational outcomes. This research contributes to museum education strategies, emphasizing the need for interactive, engaging, and inclusive exhibits to foster a deeper appreciation of cultural heritage. Future studies should explore the long-term impacts of tangible interaction and cross-cultural comparisons of interactive museum education.