Field Studies in Heritage Education: Assessing Impact on Tourism and Sustainability at Bujang Valley, Kedah, Malaysia

Abstract

This article aims to analyse the importance of a field study of the Bujang Valley archaeological site in Kedah among students in the context of reinforcing heritage education. This study involved 400 university students who were randomly selected. A questionnaire instrument was used to elicit feedback, including the respondents' background, knowledge about Bujang Valley, knowledge about a guided tour of the exhibition gallery, knowledge about a guided tour of the archaeological site, knowledge about a demonstration technique and an archaeological excavation method, and knowledge about a field study of the archaeological site. The findings indicate that conducting the field study via activities during the guided tour of the exhibition galleries at the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum (MALB) and the Hindu-Buddhist temple site is highly effective in enhancing heritage education. Indeed, it was able to impart knowledge about the significance of Bujang Valley to students enrolled in higher learning institutions (Mean=3.67 to Mean=5.00). Knowledge about Bujang Valley between education-based (UPSI) and non-education-based (UKM) students was equivalent, and there was no difference in any of the five variables (p> .05). This study is supposed to contribute in assisting the demonstration technique and archaeological excavation method crucial in reinforcing students' knowledge of the value of conservation and preservation of national heritage sites. Hence, the field study of the archaeological site and historical place needs to continue at higher learning institutions to further reinforce students' knowledge about the history and heritage of the country.