While the definition of place-based learning may only be as recent as the 2010s, the concept of connecting one’s education to the places around them has an impressive history. Place-based learning aims to educate students of all ages using what is already around them, from local culture and geography to community partnerships.
What is place-based learning?
Place-based learning has been defined by the Center for Place-Based Learning and Community Engagement as an immersive learning experience that “places students in local heritage, cultures, landscapes, opportunities and experiences, and uses these as a foundation for the study of language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and other subjects across the curriculum.” Think of a family-run farm that teaches the next generation of family members by daily observation and hands-on participation – that is place-based learning in action. Similarly, taking a trip to the beach, hiking in the woods, or visiting a museum creates the opportunity to immerse yourself in an educational experience centered on place.
Place-based learning can happen on any scale, from singular classes within existing curriculum to entire schools dedicated to the practice. Examples of place-based education learning models may look like:
- Experiential Learning
- Project-Based Learning
- Social & Emotional Learning
- Career-Technical Education
Whether presented in a formal or informal manner, there are many benefits to consider in support of place-based education.
Benefits of using place-based learning concepts
A major goal of introducing place-based learning is to increase student engagement. Students who are actively engaged in their learning perform better academically and have stronger critical thinking skills. Benefits, beyond students building a deeper connection to what’s being taught, include:
- Student-centered, personalized, and interdisciplinary instruction.
- Inquiry-based education develops problem-solving skills.
- Opportunities for local partnerships and business connections.
- Increased student agency promotes participation.
- Contextual understanding of how things work in their community.
“Place-based learning is rooted in the concept of local partnerships, both with land and people, to build educational experiences that connect learners to their direct context,” said Thom Danckaert, architect with GMB. “This is done in the hopes of creating a lasting impact for students during learning so that knowledge is better retained, while also ensuring a deeper connection to their immediate sense of place to foster a mental and emotional connection.”
Design that connects and inspires
Educational design that incorporates place-based learning concepts can inspire students to engage with their everyday surroundings. The Little Hawks Discovery Preschool, a nature-based learning center in Holland, does just that. Little Hawks use their unique site to create an outdoor learning-based curriculum where students engage the natural surroundings to foster learning. Located on the Outdoor Discovery Center’s Nature Preserve, both the site and the building work together to reinforce the students’ exploration of the natural world. The building is designed to support a curriculum that primarily takes place outdoors, while the preschool building plays a secondary role. In this environment, children are encouraged to ask open-ended questions, work in groups, observe nature around them, and experiment.
In Comstock, current STEM Academy students participate in a variety of hands-on, enriching science projects including a flagship program for the third-grade class. Their Maple Tree Tapping Unit teaches students the entire process of creating maple syrup – from tapping the trees and boiling the sap, to enjoying the final product. The district’s new STEM academy, currently under construction, will even feature an on-site sugar maple grove for this specific program, truly integrating the program’s curriculum into the school design, exemplifying place-based learning
Even when full immersive experiences are not available, building design can complement place-based learning models and connect students to their local environment. At Shelby Public Schools new elementary school, it was important that the design fit into the culture of the surrounding community, with special attention being paid to the local agricultural landscape and aesthetic. The design sets the facility’s three classroom wings into the landscape to resemble barns in a field. The exterior and interior design intentionally reflects the demographic and agricultural industry, reflecting nature from the local region to make students feel more comfortable and welcome. Graphics throughout the school also considered the area’s multilingual community, giving all students a chance to engage with English and Spanish languages.
You may be surprised how prominent place-based learning concepts can be found inside classrooms, while exploring the outdoors, or playing at home. Ultimately, engaging with the world around us and learning more about the places we live will give students a unique perspective and inspire lifelong learning.
