Author: Katharina Maria Mrak
Title: Vermittlung im Museum. Museumspädagogische Konzepte steirischer Museen für Kinder
Publication year: 2014
Institution: Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz
Study program: Erziehungs- und Bildungswisschenschaft
Level of Design
The topic chosen for the thesis is appropriate in both size and complexity for a master’s level project. The methodology is partially well-suited: the theoretical research is thorough and aligns well with the topic, demonstrating a solid understanding. The decision to conduct interviews was also a valid approach. However, it might have been beneficial to include methods such as user observation or testing, as this could have added more practical insights. Since the thesis is purely theoretical and focuses on analyzing existing installations in museums, there was no hands-on design or innovation involved.
Degree of Innovation
While the thesis does bring together new insights and provides a useful summary of current knowledge, it doesn’t push boundaries in terms of innovation. The student’s approach to the topic is somewhat conventional, and while the research is well-executed, it doesn’t break new ground or significantly improve upon existing work. The thesis reads more like a report on the current situation rather than an innovative contribution, and there is no practical application of the research findings.
Independence
The thesis clearly demonstrates the student’s ability to work independently. The student has shown initiative and successfully managed the research process without excessive reliance on external guidance.
Outline and Structure
The structure of the thesis is clear and logical. It starts with definitions of key terms, followed by a historical background and theoretical framework, and finally presents the student’s own research. Overall, the sections flow well together, although some transitions could have been smoother. That said, the arguments and key points remain consistent throughout the work, contributing to the overall coherence of the thesis.
Degree of Communication
The language used in the thesis is clear and concise, making the ideas easy to follow. The student does a good job explaining important terms and concepts, especially for complex ideas. However, the presentation of the findings could have been improved with the addition of visual aids like charts or graphs, as the text-heavy format sometimes makes it harder to stay engaged. While the abstract is well-written and accurately reflects the core of the thesis, the overall engagement with the reader could have been stronger.
Scope of the Work
The scope of the thesis is appropriate for the level of a master’s thesis. The literature review is comprehensive, and the empirical work, consisting of seven interviews, is sufficient for the research questions being addressed. However, a more varied methodology, such as incorporating user observation, might have added more depth. The thesis stays focused on its research questions and fully addresses them within the available time and resources.
Orthography and Accuracy
The thesis is well-written with very few grammatical or spelling errors. The student has used terminology accurately and explained it clearly where needed. The citations are done correctly, and the writing flows smoothly, indicating that the work has been carefully proofread.
Literature
The sources used in the thesis are relevant and well-chosen, though a few are slightly outdated. The literature review covers the key theories and studies in the field and provides a solid foundation for the empirical research. However, the engagement with the literature is mostly descriptive rather than critical. Although the student has integrated the literature well into their work, more critical analysis would have strengthened the thesis. The citations are handled appropriately throughout.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates a clear understanding of the subject matter, with a logical structure and accurate communication. While it brings some new insights, it could have benefited from more innovative thinking and a more varied research methodology. The student’s independence and attention to detail are evident, and overall, the thesis meets the requirements for a master’s level project.