Neighborhood as School
Neighborhood as School
Problem
Many experts and school leaders say that authentic learning embedded in real-world contexts promotes a deep understanding of subject matter content and increases student motivation; yet, in most conventional schools there is a disconnection between the school and its surrounding context.
Solution
Work with community partners to move from ‘school as an isolated building’ to ‘neighborhood as school.’ Relationships with community organizations and local industries built on trust and mutual interest catalyze this change. These relationships can begin to reshape when, where, and how learning takes place. This spatial paradigm shift can illuminate opportunities for the educational program to put difference-making firmly at the heart of learning.
Related Patterns The Family Room, STEAM Workshop
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Learn More
- Designing Schools for Shared Use
This Getting Smart article explores schools as a hub for joint, shared, and integrated community uses.
- Place-Based Education Opens Doors to Authentic Learning
Reasons to consider adopting place-based learning practices in your community.
- Authentic Learning for the 21st Century: An Overview
This white paper explores what constitutes authentic learning, how technology supports it, what makes it effective, and why it is important.
- Learning in Community: What Does it Look Like?
This Getting Smart article investigates what learning in community could look like.
- The Big Idea
Education Reimagined has created a whole ecosystem built around learning in community.
- You Can’t Lift Up America’s Schools Without Lifting Up the Neighborhoods Where They Operate
This article highlights the importance of supporting the community to which schools belong in order for learners to thrive.