Place-Based Pedagogy

Place-based pedagogy of education integrates the local community and the environment to teach academic concepts. Through place-based pedagogy teachers and students can critically link local community issues, economics, culture, and politics to integrate academic concepts while reinforcing values.

Place-based pedagogy is important for elementary students to help students make connections with the real world. The study of the community around them can boost student achievement, “can help increase student engagement and understanding through multidisciplinary, experiential, and intergenerational learning that is not only relevant but potentially contributes to the well-being of community life” (Gruenewald, 2002).

Through place-based pedagogy teachers connect students’ prior knowledge from their local community relevant issues through hands-on activities and other educational approaches to increase new knowledge while gaining a deep understanding and appreciation of their local community.