Introduction to Place-Based Education

Coaches: Kelly Gaskins and Alex Sivitskis

• Asynchronous cohort-style program: Watch videos and read articles, complete short assignment, and respond to others in learning cohort each week
• Final assignment due by March 4, 2024

Course Description: In this seven-week asynchronous course, participants will explore the theory and application of Place-Based Education. They will gain practical skills and tools to engage with their local community, guide students through inquiry and design processes, and build learner-centered, interdisciplinary experiences.

The course will be split into three sections:

• Part 1: Introduction to place-based education, goal-setting, and outcomes (weeks 1-2),
• Part 2: Place-Based Education principles and tools (weeks 3-5), and
• Part 3: Place-based lesson design and development (weeks 6-7).

Participants will create a place-based lesson or unit to implement in the spring 2024, building upon a plan throughout the course. Each week will consist of asynchronous videos and readings followed by short assignments and discussions with other participants, including opportunities to get outside in your community. Participants have the opportunity to personalize their learning experience through learner choice and interpretation of assignments as well as through the opportunity for one-on-one coaching sessions during the final project. Participants can anticipate spending 15-20 hours on course activities over the seven weeks and could spend more as time and interest allow.

Registration closes on January 16 @ 12 p.m.

This virtual course is free to Wyoming and Place Network School teachers. Please email professionallearning@tetonscience.org for the discount code.