ABSTRACT
This chapter considers objects as powerful pedagogic tools and examines how they can provide active learning experiences that engage learners, enrich learning and energise teaching. The discussion examines the value of object-based learning in higher education through consideration of first-year undergraduate graphic design students’ engagement with objects from the Museum of Design in Plastics at the Arts University Bournemouth. It considers how objects can generate deep learning opportunities and can offer important and memorable learning experiences that engage students in a variety of ways. The discussion presents an enquiry-based learning and active learning pedagogic approach where students are encouraged, and indeed challenged and provoked, to critically examine physical objects and to interrogate design concepts, contexts and issues, and ultimately to make their own design judgements.
