Overview

The twenty-first century is a time of change for early learning in museums, due in part to society's evolving view of childhood, from an age of innocence to understanding the robust learning that defines the first years of life. This perspective is a catalyst for international conversation and continues to raise attention and interest across society. Object Lessons and Early Learning leverages what is known about the cognitive development of young children to examine the power of learning through objects in museum and heritage settings. Exploring the history and modern day practice of object-based learning, Shaffer outlines the rationale for endorsing this approach in both formal and informal learning spaces. She argues that museums, as collecting institutions, are learning spaces uniquely positioned to allow children to make meaning about their world through personal connections to cultural artifacts, natural specimens, and works of art. A range of descriptive object lessons, inspired by objects in museums as well as from the everyday world, are presented throughout the text as examples of ways in which children can be encouraged to engage with museum collections. Object Lessons and Early Learning offers insights into strategies for engaging young children as learners in museum settings and in their everyday world, and, as such, will be essential reading for museum professionals, classroom educators, and students. It should also be of great interest to academics and researchers engaged in the study of museums and education.

Full Product Details

Author:   Sharon Shaffer (Part-time faculty member at the University of Virginia, USA)
Publisher:   Left Coast Press Inc
Imprint:   Left Coast Press Inc
Weight:   0.281kg
ISBN:  

9781629584058

ISBN 10:   1629584053
Pages:   160
Publication Date:   06 July 2018
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Preface Part I: Object Lessons in Theory: A Key to Interpretation 1. Setting the Stage for Early Learning in Museums 2. The Museum Object: A Story of Change 3. The Object Lesson: A Closer Look at Its History and Development 4. Object-Based Learning: Making Meaning from Objects Part II: Theory to Practice: Young Children and Objects 5. Learning to Look at Objects: A Process of Discovery 6. Curiosity and Collections: A Child’s Perspective Part III: Object Lessons: Engaging Young Museum Visitors 7. Object Lessons Inspired by History Museums and Historic Homes 8. Object Lessons Inspired by Art Museums, Sculpture Gardens, and Public Art 9. Object Lessons Inspired by Cultural Exhibitions and Institutions Part IV: Object Lessons Beyond the Gallery 10. Object Lessons for Young Learners in School Settings Part V: A Look Forward 11. The Future of Early Learning in a Digital Society: Finding Balance Between Object-Based Experiences and Technology

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Author Information

Sharon E. Shaffer is a museum consultant specializing in providing programming to younger children and works with museum professionals around the world. She is a former Executive Director of the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center, USA, and is the only educator ever to receive the Smithsonian Institution Secretary’s Gold Medal for Exceptional Service. She has a PhD in Social Foundations of Education and is an adjunct faculty member with the University of Virginia.

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