“Show and Tell” Revisited: The Power of Object-Based Learning.

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Keywords: Object-based learning / Deep learning/ Conceptual knowledge

Abstract: Here we suggest that Object Based Learning (OBL) can be useful in management education for facilitating learning and retention of concepts or theories by “anchoring” this abstract knowledge in concrete objects. We designed and tested the activity in a business ethics course, but we suggest it can be used in virtually any management course. The activity follows a flipped classroom principle: prior to the session, students learn a specific content (through readings, videos, etc.). They are then asked to bring in class an object of their choice which represents or embodies the concept or theory they learned. In class, students present their objects and explain how they relate to the concepts/theories. The discussion of the objects helps to deepen understanding of concepts and theories, to clarify inaccuracies or misunderstandings about them and to memorize key aspects.