Smith, G. (2002b). Place-based Education: Learning To Be Where We Are. Phi Delta Kappan, 83, 584-594.

Greg Smith teaches in the Graduate School of Education at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. He also serves on the board of the Rural School and Community Trust, a national organization that sponsors place-based educational reforms throughout the United States.

This article provides a history of theories and ideas of place-based education. The author then reviews five thematic patterns for place-based education that can be adapted to any setting: cultural studies, nature studies, real-world problem solving, internships and entrepreneurial opportunities, and induction to community processes, giving specific examples for how each can be implemented. Smith asserts that place-based education by its nature is variable, although he explores some common elements, and concludes with some thoughts on the challenges faced by educators who choose to adopt aspects of place-based education. Smith does an excellent job highlighting examples of successful place-based education programs. These examples make the discussion of specific characteristics of place-based education extremely useful for the practitioner.