Curriculum Guide Based on Pedagogy of Place Principles

The Llano Grande Research Project in south Texas directs research methods and special projects classes that assist students in developing effective academic, research, and social skills. Students in these classes pursue a curriculum based on pedagogy of place principles and gain an understanding of their community's environment and culture. This document outlines principles, objectives, and activities of the place-based curriculum. The principles focus on experiencing the local environment, history, and economy; spirituality; and community participation and politics. Almost all of the local students are of Mexican descent, and Llano Grande addresses the lack of culturally relevant textbook materials through student oral history projects. Course objectives are presented for two half-credit courses in social studies: special projects and research methods. Objectives cover academic skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, computer skills, and research; fund raising; conducting community meetings; seeking and using information; written and oral communication; and problem solving. Elementary and secondary activities are described that encompass interviewing family and community members, journal writing, art and performance activities, journalism, environmental study, and uses of mathematics in the real world. (SV)