Object Based Teaching and Learning

Choose the situation which applies to you

• How do I reserve an object?

  Do you already know exactly which objects you want to work with in your lectures? Then fill in the following form and we will contact you. 

  Did you know that objects can also be used to teach skills? Using OBTL, students can not only further develop observational techniques, but also improve their communication skills and learn to ask critical questions. If you find this interesting, read more about this in the paragraph underneath.

• How can I use objects in such a way that my students learn the most?

  Objects can be studied to learn more about their origins, but can also serve as a starting point for skill development. Working with objects enhances both learning and memorization because it activates multiple senses, allowing you to interact with the object in a different way. For this, the object itself does not necessarily have to have connections to the subject area. For examples, see our Wikiwijs page.

  With Special Collections, we focus particularly on developing and supporting the following skills:

  • Critical thinking
    - Encouraging students to develop their own research question
    - Learning to develop strategies to answer those questions
  • Observational skills
    - By zooming in on the object and learning to really look without drawing immediate conclusions, observation and perception are trained.
  • Communication skills and collaboration
    - Objects are used as a catalyst for conversation. Students are enabled to collaborate, share their learning experiences with peers and build their knowledge by learning from others.
  • Creative expression
    - Objects are used to inspire other creative endeavors, from developing new artistic work in visual art, music, writing or dance to thinking about innovation and creativity in other endeavors. 
    - See also the Art Based Learning program for this purpose.

  Are you interested and see opportunities? Or would you like to strengthen another skill? If so, please fill out the following form and we will contact you.

• What objects are there that I can use?

  Complete this form to receive personalised advice on the object that best suits your learning goals. Read more about the possibilities below.  

  The University Library has many collections. Our Special Collections consist of five sub-collections. We also have a Tech Lab where you can 3D print objects yourself. Here is a taste of some of the objects that can be used: 

  • Academic heritage 

  This collection comprises a variety of objects that can be put to wide use: think of the EcoCirc for Economics, a microscope to examine sarcomeres for Movement Sciences or the cultured crystals from Earth and Life Sciences. And don't forget the gown worn by Martin Luther King! 

  • Manuscripts and Early Printed Books 

  The Manuscripts and Early Printed Books collection consists of 80,000 objects. Besides the and handwritten and painted edition of The Pilgrim's Progress, this collection also includes nearly 50 Sumerian and Akkadian clay tablets and 95 other objects that are relevant to any discipline. Take Law for example: two lecture notes shed light on the history of criminal law.

  • Maps and globes 

  Not only is this collection relevant to Earth Sciences and Geology, but its objects can also be used for Theology and Religious Studies. For example, Cranach's Map of the Holy Land shows the journey of the people of Israel through the desert. Or study a caricature map of Europe for modern history or this celestial globe for Astronomy.  

  • Archives 

  Archives are not just relevant for historians. For example, the HDC's collections contain manuscripts by famous writers, poets and even television producers. Moreover, the VU's own archives contain collections from almost all faculties! Something can be found about every discipline, from the studies of the first professor of Physics at the VU to the correspondence on the establishment of new studies such as Economics.

  • Art 

  The VU's art collection can be admired throughout all buildings on campus, from the Main Building to the Transitorium. Studying art is not only relevant for Art History students, but can also be used to improve your observation skills. Check here for an overview of Art Based Learning workshops that focus on art.

  • 3D print objects 

  In the Tech Lab, you decide which object you want to print to use in your teaching. You can choose to design something yourself, for example with TinkerCad or Blender. Sounds too complicated? Then find the object you want to use in one of many online databases. 3D print objects are used in different ways in education, for example to create spatial awareness in students or in gamification of a subject.