Events
Schreyer Institute programs are for anyone at Penn State who has an instructional role or is preparing for a future one. Our participants are typically faculty, graduate students, and postdocs. Academic administrators, instructional designers, staff members, and undergraduates in instructional roles are also welcome.
The Power of Place: An Introduction to Place-Based Learning
Facilitated by Laura Cruz, Research Professor and Sara Cavallo, Educational Developer | Center for Teaching & Learning University of Massachusetts Amherst
Friday, 2/20/2026, 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Via Zoom
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All learning happens somewhere, yet it can be easy to overlook the educational power of our immediate surroundings. Place-based learning uses location—whether on campus, in the broader community, or in digital spaces—as a starting point for deeper understanding of course content. In this 75-min workshop, we will examine how place-based approaches can support student motivation and engagement through connecting course material with local context, real-world issues, and students’ own stories. Participants will explore examples of how instructors have put these approaches into practice across disciplines and leave with ideas for how to design their own assignment with place in mind. Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please contact the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence at SITE@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs. |
