Place Based Education
Place-Based Education (PBE) is anytime, anywhere learning that leverages the power of place, and learning space – not just the power of technology – to personalize learning. We’ve recently released a new book, The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education, which focuses on how PBE is an immersive learning experience that “places students in local heritage, cultures, landscapes, opportunities and experiences, using these as a foundation for the study of language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and other subjects across the curriculum.” PBE is also a natural complement to Personalized and Project-Based Learning, providing a way to connect these efforts to students’ local environment for engaging learning that leads to more engaged citizens.
Five Strategies for Designing Schools to Support Educators
In many ways, the factors that spur teachers to change jobs or thrive are similar to those influencing employees in a corporate environment. Research can help develop facilities that attract and retain teachers, reduce stress and support the aspirations of educators.
Rethinking Urban Education: Tacoma Public Schools of Choice
In Tacoma, WA, there is a small network of three specialized high schools providing a wide range of students with an entirely unique high school experience. This blog post looks at how these schools are rethinking education in an urban environment.
The Multilayered Benefits of Writable Surfaces
Writable Surfaces is one of the most popular design patterns at SchoolPatterns.com. Nathan Strenge shares a short story from his teaching days that highlight its multilayered benefits.
Personalized Storage in Schools
Randy Fielding explores the changing needs to give students personal storage in school, and the solutions can have surprising benefits.
School With a View: Vistas, Movement, and Learner Well-being
Randy Fielding explores how views outside and interior vistas can have a significant impact on learner well-being.
A Spatial Paradigm for Thriving Learners
School environments can be designed to foster holistically thriving learners. Fielding International’s Thriving Paradigm explains how.
6 Elements of Thriving Learners
Randy Fielding and Nathan Strenge share how cultivating six elements of thriving learners will make a deep and last social impact.
Welcoming Entry and Layered Access
Holistic health and safety, including physical security, are paramount in the design of today’s schools. Randy Fielding explores design patterns that begin to address this need.
Altus Schools: Personalized Learning, Flexible Schedules, Beautiful Spaces, Repeatable Quality
Tom highlights the innovation happening at Altus Schools and how its quality learning, spaces, and curriculum can inspire all education leaders.
Learning Walls Versus Teaching Walls
Walls can be used as a dynamic learning asset to promote movement, active learning and student agency -- are your walls designed to do that? Randy Fielding explores in his latest post.