HE CAN BE TAUGHT!
Until equilibrium is reached the warm object will not slow its decay rate..
Billy Bob is a dolt.
An object radiates away energy at the rate defined by the SB equation. At all times. According to its temperature and emissivity.
Only the rate of change for temperature of the object is affected by the temperature of the environment.
ie. A room temperature object rapidly cools in a freezer, less rapidly in a fridge, no change on the countertop, and warms in the oven. In all locations the object is radiating the same amount of energy, until the temperature changes.
How does the temperature change? If more energy is being received from the environment than is being lost by radiation then heating takes place (oven). For the opposite, then cooling happens (fridge).
Bonus thought to ponder. What is the difference between an object and an environment?
delta (object) >> delta (environment).