Pedagogy and Place (Learning Beyond the Classroom)

Research by the University of Queensland into the role and impact of the Department of Education and Training’s Outdoor and Environmental Education Centres has identified a powerful new form of place-based pedagogy that delivers Learning for Sustainability.

The study used the Productive Pedagogy Framework as a research tool:

  • Intellectual Quality
  • Connectedness
  • Supportive Environment
  • Recognition of Difference

The researchers found that while Outdoor and Environmental Education Centres used all four dimensions of productive pedagogy, they also applied Pedagogy and Place (a 5th pedagogy) that generated Learning for Sustainability. This distinguished it from the other four dimensions of productive pedagogy.  The researchers suggested that the success of this Fifth Pedagogy was based on powerful first-hand encounters with reality that cannot be easily simulated in classrooms. It seems to be the rawness, fun and realness of these experiences, recollected, discussed and reflected upon deeply that makes the difference. Storythread is one particular way of giving expression to Pedagogy and Place in action.

 

Elements of Pedagogy & Place

(as identified by UQ Researchers)

Storythread

(PEEC’s way of working with Pedagogy and Place)

Being in the Natural Environment

Connecting with the natural environment at school and at PEEC through story, attentiveness and deep reflection.

Life Learning in Real Places

Life learning through interactive stories set in real places and exploring real-life environmental issues.

Full Sensory, Mind and Body Engagement

Full sensory, mind and body engagement through story, drama and attentiveness.

Exploring Local Contexts and Places

Exploring local contexts and places to identify environmental problems and issues.

Learning by Doing

Learning by doing through stepping into a story and connecting to people and places, and through hands-on attentive exploring and inquiry.

Adventure and Challenge

Visiting PEEC to work together as a team and take part in an interactive story adventure, then meeting the challenge to reflect on learning and undertake a real-life project to make life better in a local, natural environment.