Septian Dwi Prasetyo, Aniek Rahmaniah

Museums remain underutilized as learning resources in Indonesian secondary schools, limiting students’ exposure to authentic local historical knowledge. This study examined the effectiveness of optimizing museum functions as a learning resource in history education at MAN 1 Kota Probolinggo, focusing on how museum-based learning supports motivation, knowledge acquisition, and student participation. Using a qualitative descriptive design complemented by supporting quantitative indicators, the research involved one history teacher, the school principal, and 20 Grade X students selected through purposive sampling as information-rich cases. Data were collected through interviews, classroom and museum observations, document analysis, and pre- and post-tests, which served as supplementary not definitive indicators of learning enhancement. The findings show increased student engagement during museum activities, with richer explanations and more detailed historical descriptions emerging in oral presentations and written reports. Although post-test scores showed a 45% increase in correct responses, these results must be interpreted cautiously because the assessments were not rigorously validated. Qualitative evidence from observations and interviews consistently indicated improvements in curiosity, collaborative behavior, and contextual understanding of local history. Given the small sample, single-site context, and absence of control or comparison groups, conclusions cannot be generalized. Future research should involve multiple schools or districts, employ validated assessment tools, and integrate longitudinal or mixed-method designs to determine the sustainability and broader applicability of museum-based learning.