August 30, 2010

Greg Smith publishes his sixth book, Place- and Community-based Education

Education Professor Greg Smith has published his sixth book, Place- and Community-based Education in Schools (co-written with David Sobel).

Education Professor Greg Smith has published his sixth book, Place- and Community-based Education in Schools (co-written with David Sobel).

According to Smith, place- and community-based education offers a way to create meaningful learning experiences for students while at the same time addressing required standards. By making space for local knowledge and issues, it diminishes the boundary between the classroom and students’ lives in their homes and neighborhoods. When teachers involve students in projects that address genuine community concerns, students come to see themselves as knowledge producers and actors. Young people who might otherwise be disengaged from learning become willing to invest themselves in their own education, the life of their community, and the wise stewardship of local resources.

Greg was also be the keynote speaker at two summits in summer 2010: the Southeast Alaska Place-Based Education Institute in Juneau in early June, and the annual meeting of the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators in Florence, Oregon, in July.