Incorporating Place-Based Learning
Essential Social Studies Teaching Practice #6: Immerse students in local heritage, cultures, landscapes, and experiences through place-based learning (Museums, Archives, Community Organizations, Historical Societies, Walking Tours, etc.) as a foundation to create connections to content.
History Essential Practices 6: Place-Based Learning.pdfPlace-based learning is an essential element of history and social studies instruction.It "immerses students in local heritage, cultures, landscapes, opportunities, and experiences, using these as foundation for subjects across the curriculum." (www.promiseofplace.org)
What can place-based learning look like in your classroom?
Exploring local and historical heritage sites such as museums, historical societies, walking tours, etc.
Create connections to a site and it's history through relatable and relevant experiences, issues, events, and people.
Emphasize student-centered learning, discussion, problem-solving, reenactment.
Take your students out of the classroom this spring!
Instructional Resources
Articles
"More Than Just Eyes and Ears" by Elena Aguilar
Aguilar, Elena. "More Than Just Eyes and Ears." Edutopia. 01 Mar. 2017.
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/more-than-just-eyes-ears-elena-aguilar
Place-Based Learning: Connecting Students to Their Community
https://www.edutopia.org/practice/place-based-learning-connecting-kids-their-community
Video Clips
Learning Expeditions: Rethinking Field Trips
https://www.edutopia.org/practice/learning-expeditions-rethinking-field-trips
Classroom Management Strategies for Visiting a Museum
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/museum-visit-guidelines-getty
Kid President: Teacher and Student Pep Talk 2013
Where should you go to learn from Boston and it's history?
Check out the BPS Field Trip Guide!
Which partners participated in the Place-Based Learning Expo?
Check out our Participant List!
