The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning concluded its last event for the semester with a Lunch & Learn session to develop critical thinking skills using object-based learning.

Bradbury Art Museum Director, Julia Wintner, collaborated with CETL to create a series focused on object-based learning. Associate Dean and Interim Chair of Communication, Jill Simons, said the concept of the series involves using physical items as a source of learning.

“Object-based learning is an instructional approach that uses physical or visual artifacts such as artworks, historical items, or cultural objects as primary sources for teaching and learning,” Simons said. 

Wintner said the gallery could be used as a sort of alternative classroom.

“Rather than learning from a textbook, students can learn from objects like drawing, painting and sculptures,” Wintner said.

The BAM director said the series aims to help students develop critical thinking, observational skills and interpretive analysis. 

CETL hosts anywhere from four to eight events a month. Faculty receive professional development, training and other resources that allow them to grow as educators. Past events include software training and teaching support.

Emeritus Professor of Art at the University of Connecticut, Kathryn Myers, gave a presentation titled “Connections, Creativity, Curating and Curiosity,” at the Lunch & Learn session.

“All those things I was learning, I could do something with. So it wasn’t like I was having these great experiences that I might could post on Facebook or something,” Myers said. “But I was able to bring artists back. I was actually able to bring my knowledge back and do something with it.”

The talk concluded with a Q&A session in which the faculty participated. Faculty from many colleges across campus were in attendance. 

Simons said this structured collaboration space allows for interdisciplinary action to take place.  

“There are always takeaways, from what the presenter shares to the collaborations between faculty,” Simons said. 

Professor of Art Education, Susan Whiteland, attended the session. She said these sessions are valuable because they create camaraderie and feature a variety of participants.

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