Better together: rural schools and small towns

May 6, 2016August 4, 2019 ~ Linda Aragoni

Tuesday evening’s #RuralEdChat was about Place-Based Learning. Guest “chatter” for the evening was Gary Funk, executive director of the Rural Schools Collaborative.
The Rural Schools Collaborative (@Rural_Schools for those on Twitter) is a new, multi-state nonprofit committed to the belief that rural schools and small towns get better together.

Since the chat was well-attended and likely, the transcript is lengthy. I’m going to curate excerpts to give a snapshot of what was said.

What is placed-based learning?

PBL is learning that is rooted in the unique history, environment, economy, and culture of a particular place. #RuralEdChat

— Rural Schools Collab (@Rural_Schools) May 4, 2016

PBL goes with our driving belief that rural schools and communities get better together! #RuralEdChat

— Rural Schools Collab (@Rural_Schools) May 4, 2016

Remember that when schools lose community we all lose. PBL can help thwart the effort to undermine public ed. #RuralEdChat

— Rural Schools Collab (@Rural_Schools) May 4, 2016

Is PBL implementation easier in rural schools?

.@KaylaSchmidt26 @Rural_Schools IMO, there is history and there are connections everywhere! Tap into them all! #RuralEdChat

— John Martin (@edventures) May 4, 2016

With a focus on the location, Place Based Learning lets our students dig into local history. We can tap into the elderly gen. #RuralEdChat

— Tammy G. Neil (@TG_Neil) May 4, 2016

What content can it be used with?

How does PBL reach into all content areas? #RuralEdChat

— Jeni Rairigh (@jeni_rairigh) May 4, 2016

.@jeni_rairigh It just requires a talented & visionary educator! Sci, soc studies, math, Eng, even PE can be woven into place. #RuralEdChat

— John Martin (@edventures) May 4, 2016

PBL: Our Grants in Place gallery has a number of good examples: https://t.co/jIO7wZ4vtj #RuralEdChat

— Rural Schools Collab (@Rural_Schools) May 4, 2016

How does PBL fit with existing programs?

A2 Utilizing a local context does not mean disregarding national, state, or commonsense educational goals. #RuralEdChat

— Rural Schools Collab (@Rural_Schools) May 4, 2016

A2 Seems like learning theory I know supports notion that kids learn best when curious, engaged, and in their personal context. #RuralEdChat

— Rural Schools Collab (@Rural_Schools) May 4, 2016

PBL can be so such more useful than "projects" because the activities have real connections #RuralEdChat

— Linda Aragoni (@LindaAragoni) May 4, 2016

Are your grants geographically limited?

@Rural_Schools It seems many of the grants are focused in the Midwest. I'm in a rural FL school. Can you support us as well? #RuralEdChat

— Tammy G. Neil (@TG_Neil) May 4, 2016

@TG_Neil Yes. 1st year we awarded $30k. This year almost $100k. We keep seeking partners and we will work in all states. #RuralEdChat

— Rural Schools Collab (@Rural_Schools) May 4, 2016

We have found that philanthropy and nonprofit collaboration can drive PBL. Some outside groups can be instigators. #RuralEdChat

— Rural Schools Collab (@Rural_Schools) May 4, 2016

The entire #RuralEdChat is archived here.

Published by Linda Aragoni

I make big ideas simple for learners. My program for turning teens and adults into competent writers is just eight sentences, 33 words. View all posts by Linda Aragoni

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