Objects to Learn about and Objects for Learning 1

IntroductionIn the Teaching Resources Store Cupboard: Investigating the Functions and Uses of Objects in the World of School

From the ferule to the touchscreen tablet, through alphabet primers to be leafed through or to be embroidered, translating earpieces for lessons, the cuddly toys of the very young, the virtual patients of future doctors, molecular models, home automation systems, the double decimeter, the oscilloscope, the map of the world, the recorder, jacks, marbles… These usual or ordinary, strange or unfamiliar, current or outdated objects are used in teaching and training, learning and education, classroom and playground. Material or virtual, made or disassembled, manipulated or transformed, they fall under the heading of didactic or pedagogical materials by reason of their functions and uses. These functions are multiple because these objects are, on the one hand. aids or resources for the content being taught and. on the other hand, indexing markers or testament to the content being appropriated. These classroom things and objects are thus an integral part of the curricula from nursery school to university. The uses of these objects, and therefore the practices of teachers and pupils, assign to them specific aims and references contributing to the elementarization, progressivity, flexibility and differentiation of the content. Hence, this investigation involves characterizing the contrasting points of view on the objects of this world in order to discuss their ...