Object-Based Learning in a World Dress Course

Object-based learning (OBL) is an active-learning teaching approach that uses artifacts as teaching tools in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an OBL assignment in teaching students about unfamiliar items of dress. Students were enrolled in a world dress general education course at a university in the Midwest United States. Researchers analyzed student responses from one OBL assignment to examine its effectiveness in teaching students about a item of dress from Uzbekistan. Students in general appreciated the use of OBL as they gained additional knowledge about the object, from gaining new insights into fabrics to interest in seeing the object's details, different perspective views, and construction methods. Findings concluded that OBL was an effective tool for this course. Based on this analysis, the OBL assignment will continue to be used as a teaching tool in the course.