Pedagogy
To start we must look at the pedagogical reasoning behind land based learning:
At it's core, it is a pedagogical strategy that can be found within indigenous knowledge systems. It’s central base is around holism, relationships and connection to one another and the environment.
David Sobel, a pioneer in place-based learning, describes land based education as such:
“[Land-Based Education] is the process of using the local community and environment as a starting point to teach concepts in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and other subjects across the curriculum. Emphasizing hands-on, real-world learning experiences, this approach to education increases academic achievement, helps students develop stronger ties to their community, enhances students’ appreciation for the natural world, and creates a heightened commitment to serving as active, contributing citizens.” (N.pag., 2005)
To start we must look at the pedagogical reasoning behind land based learning:
At it's core, it is a pedagogical strategy that can be found within indigenous knowledge systems. It’s central base is around holism, relationships and connection to one another and the environment.
David Sobel, a pioneer in place-based learning, describes land based education as such:
“[Land-Based Education] is the process of using the local community and environment as a starting point to teach concepts in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and other subjects across the curriculum. Emphasizing hands-on, real-world learning experiences, this approach to education increases academic achievement, helps students develop stronger ties to their community, enhances students’ appreciation for the natural world, and creates a heightened commitment to serving as active, contributing citizens.” (N.pag., 2005)
What You Need to know
Land based education all depends on the students that it is being implemented with, since each student's sense of place will be different depending on where they live.
- For Indigenous students, it's their own distinct culture and cultural practices. It's about connecting students with the land around them so that they can make meaningful connections with the subject matter being presented. Learning the pedagogy of a local First Nations’ community can take time and is often built from relationships (Oskineegish & Berger, 2013). The NAN education report (2012) echo's this: "Land-based learning is essential to cultural revival and maintenance; our ancestors were intricately connected to their natural environment, to take care of Mother Earth, and to live in harmony with the earth. Our traditional knowledge must be incorporated into our education programs; it is what makes us who we are, it is our identity. If we deprive our children of learning about their ancestors, then we are destroying the identity of our children and future generations. (pp. 63–64)"
- The Canadian government has also put forth a plan to provide meaningful education to students and give teachers the learning strategies and resources need to succeed through the New Paths for Education Program. For more information on this direct yourself to the guidelines button below.