What is Place-Based Education?
Place-based education (PBE) immerses students in local heritage, cultures, landscapes, opportunities and experiences, using these as a foundation for the study of language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and other subjects across the curriculum. PBE emphasizes learning through participation in service projects for the local school and/or community.
Research has shown that well-designed initiatives can achieve the goals outlined below. Learn more about the principles of place-based education and answers to frequently asked questions.
Place-based Education Goals
Place-based education can “feed three birds with the same seed” as it addresses the integrated goals of:
- Student Achievement
- PBE boosts students’ engagement, academic achievement, and sense of personal efficacy as stewards of their local environment and community. It also can re-energize teachers.
- Community Social and Economic Vitality
- PBE forges strong ties between local social and environmental organizations and their constituencies in the schools and community, which helps to improve quality of life and economic vitality.
- Ecological Integrity
- Through project-based learning, students make tangible contributions to resolving local environmental issues and conserving local environmental quality.