UK Museums Loans Network
Learning from Objects
The majority of workshops follow a pre-planned structure of group activities based on the National Curriculum, with the groups rotating around the various activities. Using and learning from objects seems to be undergoing something of a renaissance and without exception the teachers and pupils I have worked with have shown a great deal of enthusiasm for learning through objects.
As an outreach officer, I get to see how artefacts are used as well as modelling how to use the loan boxes. I frequently find our loan boxes neatly used as a display, either with the contents still encased in the box or neatly positioned and the children told not to touch them!
Learning through objects can breakdown many barriers to learning and can transcend age, gender, language or cultural differences. It is especially useful in engaging those children who don't like reading books, but can and do feel able to "read" objects. As a year six boy who'd volunteered to stay behind to help pack up after a session once said to me, "I usually find history really boring, looking at the books and stuff, but that was really good!" Textbooks, DVDs and assorted multimedia experience cannot replace the awe, wonder and inspiration that the multi-sensory experience of handling an artefact can.
For many teachers using objects is a breakaway from the norm and can seem quite a daunting prospect. Many teachers I have worked with feel that they don't have enough resources to use with the class and that is where services such as ours come in.
Our loans boxes contain both real and replica items. Whilst the "real" items create awe and wonder, the replica items are extremely valuable to illustrate various aspects of life at different times.
We have recently developed new Roman resource packs, which contain a wide range of real and replica artefacts. Also included is a comprehensive booklet outlining the background of the artefacts and some suggested activity ideas. I have found that after my workshops teachers are keen to recreate the activities I have done and often ask for other ideas. For most teachers all they need is a little encouragement and inspiration. It is not a case of not wanting to use artefacts, but of how to use them. Activities need to be suitable for the restricted space in a classroom and easy to manage. Below are some of the activities based around the loans boxes that have worked well and proven popular with teachers and pupils alike.
Devon Learning Resources