This week in class we were required to watch a lecture, recorded on DVD that was given by Michael Duffin Ph.D., on the C.U. campus a few nights before. The topic of the lecture was Place Based Education, and I was prepared to learn more about the subject than I actually did. From what I could understand, Place Based Education is a certain approach to teaching that involves getting students involved with the local community through service projects, and using these experiences as a base for their studies in the classroom. The lecture itself consisted mainly of Michael Duffin giving examples of programs around the nation that have applied Place Based Education to their programs, and the successes they have had. In relation to our work at Casey, I think there are many elements of the new school design that have incorporated some of the principles of successful Place Based Education. The one that first comes to mind is the design for the new playground, which focuses on local systems, themes and content. I think that all of the plans for the design are also relevant to the students at Casey, and can contribute to a lot of learning that will take place on-site in the school and local community.
JCM