Senses-Based Learning

By Emilie Sitzia

At Maastricht University

Offers perspective on types of museums and the variety of content they can offer. This fits into the BA Arts and Culture as well as MA Arts and Heritage.

• Learn about the history of senses in the museum
• Build connections between various bodies of knowledge
• Memorise better
• Reinforcement of learning through sensorial preferences and contextualization
• Constructivist educational approach, importance of (physical) experience on learning processes
• Experiential learning in museums
• Strategies of engagement

Content course

University students

Senses-based learning, problem-based learning

Warm-up:

1. Smell.
2. Take one minute to remember.
3. Discuss briefly with your peers.
4. Write or draw your memory on the post-it.
5. Display.
6. Choose one memory and tell the story in as many sensory details as possible while interacting with the smell.

Memories of the Museum

1. Picture a specific museum in your head.
2. What does it sound like?
3. What does it smell like?

Craik, F. I., & Lockhart, R. S. (1972). Levels of processing: A framework for memory research. Journal of verbal learning and verbal behavior, 11(6), 671-684.

Gardner, R. C. (1985). Social Psychology and Second Language Learning: The Role of Attitudes and Motivation. London: Edward Arnold.
https://doi.org/10.1037/h0083787

Harris, A. (2021). A sensory education (p. 208). Taylor & Francis.

Petty, G., (2004), Teaching Today Practical approach, 3^rd Ed., London: Nelson Thornes.

Dewey, J. (1899). The school and society: Being three lectures. University of Chicago Press.

Kolb, David. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience As The Source Of Learning And Development.

Piaget, J. (1929). The child’s conception of the world. London: Kegan Paul, Trench & Trubner.

Hein, G. (1998). Learning in the Museum. London, UK: Routledge.