Micki Evans and Erin Sanchez: How to Use Place-Based Learning to Connect Students with Their Communities

John talks with Mickey Evans and Erin Sanchez about place-based learning, a pedagogy of connectedness that roots instruction in students’ local communities, cultures, and environments. They share design principles for creating authentic, equitable learning experiences and examples from tribal, rural, and urban schools—showing how community partnerships, storytelling, and student voice transform learning. The episode also explores how AI and VR can expand access and make place-based learning possible anywhere.Defining place-based learning and its equity focusHow to design “learning journeys” that connect culture, inquiry, and communityReal-world examples from schools nationwideOvercoming time and testing pressuresUsing AI and VR to enhance community-connected learningErin Sanchez LinkedInMicki Evans LinkedIn PagePlace Based Learning Book PBL PathMusic by Aylex