When it comes to place based learning, I think of innovation. I think of how educators use innovation to step outside of the box when it comes to teaching about our lands, our surroundings, plants, species, and others that live among our lands. Place based learning takes our students outside of the classroom and onto our first classroom; the land. Using natural resources with the help of other resources such as research, textbooks, experts, elders, keepers of the lands, etc. can create new knowledge for our learners. Taking students outside of the classroom environment creates visuals that we cannot explain enough using texts. Being outside creates awareness of our surroundings, and how we can use natural resources to explain what is in our textbooks. Students should not be subjected to a desk, and as much as I love classroom discussions, they sometimes just aren’t enough, especially for avid learners. Place based education also helps students understand that they are also prime examples of place based education. Teaching students that self awareness and self reflection is important, as they are responsible for their own knowledge of what they learn and how they can use it in and out of the classroom.
Place based learning
Published by Cresida Masson
My name is Cresida Masson, I am from Onion Lake Cree Nation. I am a proud mother to my son, Abel Nicholas. As a child, I once had a bright mindset, but as the years of trial and tribulations have come and gone, my spirit was somewhat lost, in a way where I had no idea what my future would look like. I became a Hairstylist in 2010, and have worked in the same salon for eight years, knowing that there was more to life than what I was doing in those years. In 2014, I decided to go back to University, not only for myself, but for my son and future children. Since my son has entered my life, he has definitely become that light that is currently pushing me to complete my Degree in Education. I am also happy to come from a family where Education is important, where our children are our main priority. We see our children as our leaders, they humbly teach us more than we know. Therefore, I have chosen to become an Educator in hopes to help our future leaders grow and become whoever they choose to be. As a parent myself, I hope to encourage a positive and healthy lifestyle for those who I will encounter in the future. Being an educator is more than the four corners of the classroom. It is outside the classroom, leading by example, and just being there for those who cannot that makes educators become better at what they do. View all posts by Cresida Masson
