Educational Course Work

As defined by the article, Place-Based Education is anytime, anywhere learning that leverages the power of place, and not just the power of technology, to personalize learning.

With this definition in mind, our group decided to take our presentation outdoors to enhance personalized learning experiences. 

For the activity portion of the assignment, I led my classmates on a short walk to participate in a Sit Spot activity. Before beginning we discussed boundaries, safety, student inquiries and activity expectations. Teacher Candidates were asked to reflect on their personal relationship to place. Students sat for 10 minutes, alone in a space outdoors of their choosing without technology or much structure. After the activity we debriefed our experiences and chatted about the benefit of Sit Spots with our students and the many considerations and modifications available. 

While the presentation focused on the benefits of taking your class out of doors to experience and create connection with land, place-based education practices extend to the incorporation of field trips, community events, guest speakers, local initiatives, civic exploration and much more.

In the end, it is about fostering a sense of place and the personalization of education for the benefit of self, others and communities.