Why use Place-Based Education approaches?
The use of a place to bring about educational outcomes can be found in community engagement programmes (i.e. heritage tours, Learning Journeys and Service-Learning), field trips for the Arts, and Outdoor Education. However, as most of these programmes are knowledge-based and product-focused, establishing connections may not be central to the design and delivery of these programmes. PBE can enhance existing school programmes in areas such as National Education, Community Involvement Project and Service Learning. By incorporating PBE approaches in existing outdoor and community-based programme, we are in a better position to help students:
- Achieve a high sense of connection with their community by engaging in meaningful and student driven projects;
- See themselves as contributive and valued people in their community;
- Understand the world at large by first understanding their own community;
- Apply their school-acquired skills and knowledge to address real life issues;
- Hone their critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
- Enhance the development of their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills through working with fellow learners, relevant partners and authorities.
RIEL strives to infuse PBE pedagogy in the programmes that we conduct for both students and teachers. We are still evolving in our practices and we welcome your ideas and feedback at moe_riel@moe.edu.sg. Want to find out more on how to implement PBE in your school? Come and join us at the first PBE seminar! Let’s share and create knowledge together!
