What is Place-Based Learning, anyway?

I often get slightly confused looks when I tell people that I am a 'Place-Based Learning Coordinator.' I usually don't even give them time to ask- 'What does that mean?' before I launch into a quick description. Here, I have the luxury of a little more time, so let me break it down for you.

First, what is place-based learning? I usually describe it as using resources in the community to meet and advance curricular goals while developing stewardship and responsibility in our students. In short, make it real. I never want students to ask 'why are we learning this?' Or if they do, they are able to answer it themselves relatively soon.

 Does place-based learning look the same everywhere? Absolutely not! Each community is going to have its own challenges and opportunities that will define what projects are the most relevant and meaningful. Here in Woodstock, we have amazing access to local natural landscapes. Between Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, town parks, the Green Mountain National Forest, school and community gardens, and the Ottauquechee River, students can study and complete innumerable service learning projects with an ecological focus.

We also have a rich and vibrant community with organizations and non-profits working on a variety of social and economic issues. We're a short bus ride from the Dartmouth College science labs, art museums, and theater.

Is place-based learning only relevant for science classes? Definitely not. In fact, place-based learning is such a wonderful opportunity to truly work across disciplines, because like any real world project, problems do not come neatly packaged in academic silos. Students working on a project to install a new crosswalk near their school, for example, will need to understand policy and regulation, human psychology, historical context, and research, presentation, and communication skills. They can tie this project into larger global issues such as alternative transportation and equal access to resources. Big things indeed.


Is place-based learning easy? Does it come it a neat package? Are there clear instructions and guidelines? Nope, no, and definitely not.  Place-based learning can be messy and complicated and make you feel a little uncomfortable. But, can you name something in your life that's transformed you in a positive way that doesn't meet this description?

Teachers at WUHS are starting to embrace the messiness. They are moving to the edge of their comfort zone and making connections with community members and real-world problems. Sometimes it gets complicated and we sure aren't ready to write the rule-book on this endeavor. But we're stepping up to the plate and giving it a try. We believe it will make a hugely positive difference in our students' lives.


Here are some great resources for learning more about place-based learning:
http://www.ecoliteracy.org/strategies/place-based-learning
http://www.promiseofplace.org/what_is_pbe

Here is a report on impact from the Place-Based Education Evaluation Collaboration
http://www.nps.gov/civic/resources/PEEC2010_web.pdf