{"id":8609,"date":"2024-07-24T08:34:51","date_gmt":"2024-07-24T08:34:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/learnercentered.org\/strategies\/https-learnercentdev-wpenginepowered-com-learner-centered-strategies-strategy-take-learners-into-the-real-world\/"},"modified":"2025-09-23T13:20:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T21:20:46","slug":"take-learners-into-the-real-world","status":"publish","type":"strategies","link":"https:\/\/learnercentered.org\/strategies\/take-learners-into-the-real-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Take Learners into the Real World"},"content":{"rendered":"

Take Learners into the Real World<\/h1>\n

When we prioritize engaging learners in authentic learning experiences and tasks, the entire world becomes our oyster for learning, exploration and reflection! Learning outside the four walls of the classroom can be as simple as stepping outside onto the playground to take measurements for learners\u2019 proposed redesign plans, or going on an ethnographic walk through the neighborhood to learn about the history of people, businesses, and organizations, or going on a learning expedition (aka field trip) to a local museum or community center to deepen learning within a lesson, unit, or project.<\/p>\n

Bright Spots<\/span><\/h3>\n

Gain inspiration from authentic examples of this strategy shared by teachers who have used them with their learners.<\/p>\n

Creating your own Bright Spots? Let\u2019s get them out into the world! Share yours here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

A Walk in the Park<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Students at AltSchool go for a walk in the forest in a park in San Francisco as part of their learning about ecosystems.<\/em><\/p>\n

Little Libraries<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Students at the CUBE school in Denver, CO noticed that their local neighborhood didn\u2019t have a library in walking distance, so they designed and built \u201clittle library\u201d boxes out of wood to place in the local neighborhood.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Write Letters to the Community<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Students in Encinitas Union School District wrote letters to local community members to address issues in the United Nations Global Goals. As part of this project, they also made action plans to address their priority issue and hosted school and community events related to their topics.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/h4>\n

Field Trip to a Working Farm<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Escondido Union School District teacher Nhu Tran takes her 4th graders on a field trip to Coastal Roots Farm. It aligned with their 4th-grade Unit 5, which was about conservation. Students learned about composting, upcycling, recycling, and renewable energy. The individuals in the photo included some of her students and an educator from Coastal Roots Farm.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

Resources<\/h3>\n

Inspired?<\/strong> Use the resources below to bring this learner-centered strategy to your learning community.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcd6 <\/span>How Interactive, Student-Centered Field Trips Work<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
\n\ud83d\udcd6 <\/span>Participatory Asset Mapping Toolkit<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
\n\ud83d\udcd6 <\/span>Check out this Community Asset Mapping Unit Developed by a 7th grade teacher<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
\n\ud83d\udcd6 <\/span>Turning Field Trips into Field Work<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
\n\ud83d\udcd6 <\/span>Beyond Field Trips: Place-Based Learning<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
\n\ud83d\udcd6 <\/span>HS students partner with architects to create installations for local \u201cExhibit Columbus\u201d<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

Ready for More?<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>

Want to explore more strategies?<\/strong> See the whole list here<\/a><\/u>.<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Need more support implementing this strategy?<\/strong> Check out our self-paced courses<\/a><\/u>.<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Are you implementing this strategy in your classroom?<\/strong> Share more to be featured in a bright spot here<\/a><\/u> or submit evidence for a micro-credential.<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>
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