What Is Project-Based Learning?
By Michelle Swanson

Project-based Learning grew out of a need to help students make connections between school and life, a need to help students find relevance in academics, a need to help students feel valued and gain deeper understanding of academic and technical concepts. Students and teachers engaged in project-based learning demand greater responsibility for their own learning.

The learning experiences are designed as complex, authentic (real-world) projects. The contexts for many of the projects are found outside the school walls. Projects emerge from needs in the community or home; they arise from social issues, or perhaps physical, emotional, or recreational needs; and from authentic industry or business activities. Fundamentally, the learning of content knowledge and skills is given an opportunity to develop and grow through project-based learning.

Project-based learning is a philosophy and a practice; it is what we believe about education and how we act on those beliefs in the classroom.


PLACE-BASED EDUCATION: CONNECTING CLASSROOMS & COMMUNITIES
By David Sobel

The fourth volume of the Nature Literacy Series, presents a comprehensive review of place-based education. From philosophy to strategy, Sobel traces place-based education in the U.S., celebrating teachers that connect classroom, community, and the environment. Paperback,105 pages, ISBN 0-913098-54-X.

Site: http://www.oriononline.org/pages/ob/nls/index_nls.html


SUSTAINABLE FOOTPRINT
The sustainable footprint project is a Netherlands-based project aimed at making students aware of the consequences of their lifestyle including a teachers’ program for "problem oriented learning". Includes a series of thematic lessons and guidelines for internationalizing projects. Extra: A footprint quiz for the younger students (12-15) and a "design for the future" assignment.

Site:http://www.sustainablefootprint.org


EDUCATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE & SECURE FUTURE REPORT
National Conference on Science, Policy & the Environment. Draft recommendations developed by participants for educational reform for the U.S. & the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2015) can now be read online. Address topics such as sustainability & security curricula for K-12 & undergraduates, community education, & planetary health.

Site: http://www.ncseonline.org/NCSEconference/2003conference/2003Report.pdf


ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION WORKS
Data, studies and case examples of how environmental education has a measurable impact on environmental protection and improved student learning include better results on standard tests. The EE-works is a service of the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (NEETF).

Site: http://www.TheEEWorks.org


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