Teaching with Collections

Object-based learning provides opportunities for students to work directly with artifacts, and facilitates hands-on engagement with course content. Objects may be used in a multitude of ways:

  • As tangible points of departure for class discussions
  • As tools for developing observational and critical thinking skills
  • To provide hands-on opportunities to discover and explore course content
  • To accommodate multiple modes of learning
  • To support writing assignments, group projects, independent studies, and class exercises

Most collections-based work occurs in the collections lab, in Room 301 of Exley Science Center. Collections staff provide advice and support to faculty as they determine the best way to incorporate objects into their syllabi or class exercises. Please contact us for more information!