Prioritizing Experiential, Place-Based Learning

Addressing the Engagement Crisis in Higher Education by Embracing Innovative Approaches to both Traditional and 21st Century Literacies, Nurturing Healthy Individuals and Communities

Abstract

"Place-Based Learning (PBL) uses the power of place to personalize learning. It challenges learners to engage with their environment and provides equal opportunities to ‘learn by doing.’ Educators can tie curriculum outcomes to local contexts, fostering innovative ways to increase learner engagement.PBL fosters an organic, visceral learning environment where a natural sense of wonder flourishes, promoting the development of healthy individuals and communities. By acknowledging the wealth of intergenerational knowledge, skills, and systems of mutual support in local communities, PBL aligns with both traditional and 21st-century literacies. This approach empowers educators to embrace their dual roles as both teachers and learners, creating a collaborative, community-driven model of education. Traditional and 21st-century literacies can guide teaching and learning across various fields, including business, arts, engineering, health sciences, and community studies. These themes create fertile ground for powerful engagement strategies, fostering incremental knowledge growth through lived experiences and real-world applications.