Object-based learning and the pedagogical value of historical-educational collections

Historical collections of school materials have great pedagogical potential from many perspectives. On the one hand, museums of educational heritage allow us to learn about the development of school practices, habits, and culture. On the other hand, due to their intrinsic nature as evocative and social objects, musealised school objects offer excellent opportunities for effective OBL or object-based learning. OBL is an active learning approach that is enhanced by interaction with material objects and allows for the active engagement of all participants, regardless of their prior knowledge or learning preferences. It also facilitates the acquisition of both curricular knowledge and transversal skills such as observing, describing, investigating, inferring, discussing, listening, critical thinking and empathy. Finally, it helps to link history with the present.