Learning on Location: Place-Based Approaches for Diverse Learners in Higher Education

Learning on Location is a book that explores the benefits of place-based, experiential learning in higher education, highlighting examples from across disciplines and emphasizing how it can complement DEI goals. It offers a framework for implementing learning on location approaches and includes online materials for curriculum development and application.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Inc

Learning on Location: Shaping Diverse Learning Experiences

Authored by a scholar-teacher in writing studies pedagogy with nearly 20 years of experience in higher education and six years as the Director of Writing Across the Curriculum in Georgia State University's Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Online Education, this book delves into the transformative power of learning on location.

Learning on location complements other engaged teaching practices such as high-impact practices (HIPs), experiential and place-based learning, study abroad and domestic field study, service learning, and mobile technologies in learning. It emphasizes how place shapes the diverse ways students experience learning, challenging educators to curate spatial learning experiences that validate diversity, seek equity, and prompt inclusion.

Drawing on interviews and case studies from educators in the United States and Canada, Learning on Location showcases examples of place-based, experiential learning in specializations across the disciplines, as well as cross-disciplinary programs located within university-community partnerships, mapping projects, and story labs. This accessible book provides a framework that can be applied within a range of courses and contexts in higher education, including examples of pedagogies-in-action from disciplines such as Anthropology, Criminal Justice, English, Environmental Science, History, Sociology, and Teacher Education. It also offers suggested models and logistics considerations for enacting learning on location approaches.

One of the key insights of the book is that learning on location can complement campus Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals. It challenges educators to create learning environments that validate diversity, seek equity, and promote inclusion. By engaging students with the local culture, history, and environment, educators can help them develop a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.

Moreover, learning on location can enhance student engagement and motivation. When students are immersed in a new environment, they are more likely to be actively involved in their learning and to take ownership of their education. This can lead to increased retention rates, improved academic performance, and a greater sense of belonging and connection to the institution.

In conclusion, Learning on Location is a valuable resource for educators seeking to enhance their teaching practices and create more inclusive learning environments. By leveraging the power of place, educators can help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642674217