Elmhurst University. (2019, November 25). What is service learning? And how do students benefit from it? Elmhurst University; Elmhurst University. https://www.elmhurst.edu/blog/what-is-service-learning/

 

Elmhurst University defines service learning as an educational approach that combines classroom theory with meaningful community service. This method encourages students to apply academic knowledge to real-world situations, fostering a deeper understanding of course material while contributing positively to society.​

Service learning at Elmhurst University encompasses various activities, including direct service, indirect service, and advocacy work. Direct service involves hands-on tasks such as tutoring or serving meals, allowing students to interact directly with individuals in need. Indirect service focuses on activities like organizing community events or conducting research to support community organizations. Advocacy work entails efforts to influence public policy or raise awareness about social issues, empowering students to become active participants in societal change.​

Participating in service learning offers numerous benefits to students. It enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills, provides opportunities for personal growth, and strengthens connections between students and the communities they serve. Additionally, service learning promotes civic responsibility and ethical leadership, preparing students to become engaged and informed citizens.​

Overall, Elmhurst University's service learning program enriches the educational experience by bridging the gap between academic learning and community involvement, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to society.

 

Fester, J. (2020, July 30). Place-Based Learning: Exploring and Unpacking the World from Anywhere. National Geographic Education Blog. https://blog.education.nationalgeographic.org/2020/07/30/place-based-learning-exploring-and-unpacking-the-world-from-anywhere/

 

In his 2020 National Geographic Education Blog post, Place-Based Learning: Exploring and Unpacking the World from Anywhere, educator James Fester discusses adapting place-based learning to virtual environments, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He defines place-based learning as a student-centered approach that immerses students in real-world environments—such as parks, museums, or local communities—and uses these experiences as the foundation for lessons. Fester acknowledges the challenges posed by health concerns and social distancing but emphasizes the long-term benefits of this approach.

Fester suggests starting small by utilizing virtual tools like webcams, videos, podcasts, and virtual tours to explore the world from home. He highlights the availability of virtual field trips and encourages students to engage in deep learning about a place by posing guiding questions. For example, students might explore why a particular location was designated as a National Park and what it reveals about earth science or social justice.​

The post also addresses the importance of discussing the relevance of monuments and public art in contemporary society. Fester encourages educators to facilitate meaningful conversations about the purpose and significance of these sites, fostering critical thinking and civic engagement among students.

 

Loveless, B. (2024, January 13). Guide on Place-Based Education. Education Corner. https://www.educationcorner.com/place-based-education-guide/

 

In his 2024 guide on place-based education, Becton Loveless explores how this student-centered approach transforms traditional learning by immersing students in their local communities and addressing real-world issues. Place-based education (PBE) emphasizes inquiry-based, hands-on experiences that encourage students to explore local problems and develop practical solutions. According to Loveless, this method not only promotes critical thinking but also helps students build skills that are useful in higher education and future careers.

Loveless outlines several key principles that define effective PBE. One of the most important is viewing the community as a classroom, where students can learn through direct engagement with local environments, people, and challenges. PBE is also learner-centered, meaning it encourages students to investigate topics that are personally meaningful and relevant to their lives. The approach is grounded in inquiry, prompting students to ask questions, observe, and collect data as they build understanding. Additionally, PBE is interdisciplinary, weaving together multiple subjects to reflect how issues in the real world are interconnected.

The guide includes practical examples, such as students studying local food systems through firsthand experience with raising chickens and storytelling. Loveless concludes that place-based education not only strengthens students’ ties to their communities but also empowers them to apply local insights to broader global challenges.

 

WHAT IS PLACE-BASED EDUCATION AND WHY DOES IT MATTER? GETTING SMART in partnership with eduInnovation & Teton Science Schools. (n.d.). https://www.gettingsmart.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/What-is-Place-Based-Education-and-Why-Does-it-Matter-4.pdf

 

The publication defines PBE as an immersive learning experience that places students in local heritage, cultures, landscapes, opportunities, and experiences, using these as a foundation for the study of various subjects across the curriculum. It emphasizes the importance of situating PBE within global conversations about innovative instructional approaches that enable student agency, boost access and opportunity, prioritize deeper learning, and personalize learning.​Readkong+1Getting Smart+1

The benefits of PBE include increased student engagement, improved academic outcomes, positive community impact, and a deeper understanding of the world. The publication also highlights that PBE is adaptable to various settings, including urban, rural, and suburban areas, and can be implemented in early education, K-12 education, and higher education. It provides numerous examples of PBE in practice, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness in fostering meaningful learning experiences.