Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Benefits of Place Based Education


“Place based education encourages teachers and students to use the schoolyard, community, public lands, and other special places as resources, turning communities into classrooms.” I think this is a good summation of what place based learning is. To me the main benefit of place based learning is that it creates a partnership between schools and communities. When this happens not only do the students benefit but the community also benefits. It helps to not only improve the students academics but also their social skills, and their achievements in the real world. For the community it means improvements environmentally and economically. It encourages students to become aware of their environment and to become active citizens, all while they are receiving their education. What better way to learn then by being outside, doing hands on learning and helping your community at the same time? I think place based learning is a great concept and I think it would be beneficial to students and communities alike. I found it interesting that ten studies across the United States connected place based education with academic achievement. This says to me that it is working and it should be used more widely in our public schools. 




These photos are an example of what place based education looks like. Students are outside working on an environmental project in their community. 

No comments:

Post a Comment