51ÉçÇø

The Teton Science School's (TSS) Teacher Learning Center, a leader in placed-based learning and innovative pedagogy, will be on the Athens Campus on February 27–28 to lead workshops and facilitate discussions about place-based pedagogy.

Place-based learning allows students to leave the classroom and experience a different setting. Students consider issues that affect the people, animals, and vegetation that coexist in the location, as well as the interdisciplinary influences that impact a place.

"Place-based pedagogy encourages students and faculty to step away from knowledge structures that can inhibit learning," said Jerry Miller, professor and associate director of undergraduate studies in the School of Communication Studies. "It helps people recognize, synthesize, and better understand environmental, economic, and cultural complexities of place."

Three representatives from TSS will facilitate two workshops and a panel discussion focused on language surrounding place-based education, the place-based learning experience, and successes and challenges in place-based pedagogy.

"I am looking forward to the visit from TSS and to celebrate place-based instruction already in action at 51ÉçÇø," said Miller. "This event is an opportunity for faculty to share and build on a common interest: the importance of place."

Faculty who are already engaged in place-based learning or who would like to learn more about it can read more information about the workshops and panel discussions on the event web page. The registration deadline is February 21. There is no cost to attend. Additional details will be sent to registrants in advance of the events.

There also will be a Faculty Learning Community focused on place-based pedagogy in the coming months. Faculty that are unable to attend one of the TSS events should email Jerry Miller to be included in future conversations about place-based instruction.