Object Based Learning in museum education. How to imagine a new inclusive heritage

Abstract

The use of effective methodologies in terms of knowledge acquisition and transverse competences promotion is one of the most successful solutions for the promotion of social and cultural inclusion within museums and heritage fruition contexts. Objectbased learning is one of the most effective methodologies in terms or users’ engagement and transverse skills promotion, such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, promoting participants’ social inclusion and well-being. Users who come into direct contact with museum objects decrease their levels of irritability, nervousness and sadness by becoming more interested in the museum environment, participating actively and enthusiastically in the activities of object manipulation. Since several years, the Centre of Museum Studies, based at University of Roma Tre, conducts educational research based on the use of Object-based learning within museum contexts to support knowledge acquisition and skills development at different educational levels.

Keywords

• museum education
• object-based learning
• hands-on
• inclusion
• heritage education