Place
Project
Problem
Place-based learning
Place-based education (PBE) tosses the proverbial textbook out the window. It invites educators to go into their communities and use the resources at hand to support the study of core subjects while immersing students in the cultures, history, places, people, and experiences that shape where they live. Learning happens in the classroom and out in the community, aided by partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies. Curriculum is brought to life through service-learning projects that make learning deeply personal for students, inspiring confidence and motivating them to keep learning. Most importantly, PBE instills in students a strong “sense of place” and a desire to care for and lift up their communities Seydel, J. (2017). Place-Based Education Opens Doors to Authentic Learning. GreenNotes, March 14, 2017. Retrieved from:
https://greenschoolsnationalnetwork.org/place-based-education-opens-doors-authentic-learning/ as active citizens and environmental stewards.
Place-based education (PBE) tosses the proverbial textbook out the window. It invites educators to go into their communities and use the resources at hand to support the study of core subjects while immersing students in the cultures, history, places, people, and experiences that shape where they live. Learning happens in the classroom and out in the community, aided by partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies. Curriculum is brought to life through service-learning projects that make learning deeply personal for students, inspiring confidence and motivating them to keep learning. Most importantly, PBE instills in students a strong “sense of place” and a desire to care for and lift up their communities Seydel, J. (2017). Place-Based Education Opens Doors to Authentic Learning. GreenNotes, March 14, 2017. Retrieved from:
https://greenschoolsnationalnetwork.org/place-based-education-opens-doors-authentic-learning/ as active citizens and environmental stewards.
Project and Problem-based learning
Project-and problem-based learning share several commonalities. In both cases, students must synthesize information and develop a solution (e.g., product, service, policy, etc.) that meets a need in the community or place. Both approaches also address standards from multiple disciplines and utilize skills such as critical thinking, planning, and collaborating. Lieberman, G. and Seydel, J. (in press). P4BL: Linking Phenomenon, Place, Project, Problem-Based Pedagogy to Deepen Learning. Green Schools Catalyst Quarterly 6(2).
Project-and problem-based learning share several commonalities. In both cases, students must synthesize information and develop a solution (e.g., product, service, policy, etc.) that meets a need in the community or place. Both approaches also address standards from multiple disciplines and utilize skills such as critical thinking, planning, and collaborating. Lieberman, G. and Seydel, J. (in press). P4BL: Linking Phenomenon, Place, Project, Problem-Based Pedagogy to Deepen Learning. Green Schools Catalyst Quarterly 6(2).
Project-based learning
As defined by PBLWorks, “Project-based learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge. PBLWorks. (n.d.). What is PBL? Retrieved from:
https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl ” Here, the reference to complex questions, problems, and challenges opens the door to a wide range of project topics, from community photojournalism and starting a business to measuring ecosystem health and using data to reduce an organization’s ecological footprint. Lieberman, G. and Seydel, J. (in press). P4BL: Linking Phenomenon, Place, Project, Problem-Based Pedagogy to Deepen Learning. Green Schools Catalyst Quarterly 6(2).
As defined by PBLWorks, “Project-based learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge. PBLWorks. (n.d.). What is PBL? Retrieved from:
https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl ” Here, the reference to complex questions, problems, and challenges opens the door to a wide range of project topics, from community photojournalism and starting a business to measuring ecosystem health and using data to reduce an organization’s ecological footprint. Lieberman, G. and Seydel, J. (in press). P4BL: Linking Phenomenon, Place, Project, Problem-Based Pedagogy to Deepen Learning. Green Schools Catalyst Quarterly 6(2).
Problem-based learning
Problem-based learning can be considered a subset of project-based learning (or vice versa). With this approach, a challenging problem is introduced at the beginning of a unit and students work by themselves or in groups to come up with solutions to solve that problem. Initiating questions are authentic and relevant to students and motivate them to acquire deeper understanding. California’s Science Framework provides a brief example: “...a high school unit might begin by introducing the problems caused by climate change. During the unit, students will develop solutions that minimize the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuel. California Department of Education. (2018). 2016 Science Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve. Sacramento, CA: California Department of Education. ”
Problem-based learning can be considered a subset of project-based learning (or vice versa). With this approach, a challenging problem is introduced at the beginning of a unit and students work by themselves or in groups to come up with solutions to solve that problem. Initiating questions are authentic and relevant to students and motivate them to acquire deeper understanding. California’s Science Framework provides a brief example: “...a high school unit might begin by introducing the problems caused by climate change. During the unit, students will develop solutions that minimize the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuel. California Department of Education. (2018). 2016 Science Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve. Sacramento, CA: California Department of Education. ”