Community Based Learning

What does learning in a community-based setting afford children? What are they able to learn in a community-based setting that they would not be able to learn in a school setting? What does teaching in a community-based setting afford the educator? What can one do in a community-based setting that one could not do in a school?

Community-based learning is very valuable for children. It allows children the opportunity to learn outside of a traditional setting which can afford them a certain amount of freedom and flexibility. This can mean more diverse experiences, often culturally based as well as more involved and hands on projects that they would not normally encounter in everyday life. It also allows an opportunity for new teachers with new perspectives that will broaden both student and teachers perspectives helping them grow as humans and artists.

Additionally the generally voluntary nature of involvement on the behalf of the participant lets the participant take much of the control and lead in their own learning. This can often mean learning in new avenues or directions than are covered in the standard curriculum. The smaller groups and less structure also allow for more individualized learning suiting the varied developmental levels found in modern classrooms.

When teaching in a community setting the educator can take more ownership for their lessons and programs. Developing it and tailoring it to the specific needs of their students once again taking education in new directions and into new subject areas accessing new resources even as far as new educators.