Who We Are
Championing Truth and Reconciliation in Education
The Place-Based Learning Network is dedicated to transforming education through the power of place-based and experiential learning. We strive to create an inclusive and collaborative community where educators, researchers, and students can engage in reciprocal learning. By fostering access to comprehensive resources and innovative educational practices, we empower individuals to connect with and learn directly from the environments and communities around them. Our mission is to enhance educational outcomes by making learning relevant, dynamic, and deeply interconnected with the real world.
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A big part of the PBLN network is our community. By joining the PBLN community as a member, you get the following benefits:
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Announcements of events and new materials
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Newsletter
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Share materials on the website
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Connect with other members
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Create or participate in events & workshops
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Become a member today, it's free to join!
Meet our Team
The Place-Based Learning Network is led by Dr. Alice de Koning (University of Calgary) and Dr. John McArdle (Salem State University). Our initiative is proudly funded by the Taylor Institute of the University of Calgary.
Dr. Alice de Koning - University of Calgary Dr. Alice de Koning is Academic Director for the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking and Professor at Haskayne School of Business. She teaches both strategy and entrepreneurship courses, to undergraduate and graduate students. She promotes place-based and community oriented projects as a critical tool for learning core concepts through hands-on applications. Her research interests include understanding the impact of context on entrepreneurial cognition and action, entrepreneurial narratives, social enterprise business models, entrepreneurial strategies in highly regulated markets (e.g. recreational cannabis and hydrogen) and experiential learning in entrepreneurship education. Alice received her PhD from INSEAD and her MBA from the Ivey School of Business, Western University.
Dr. John McArdle - Salem State University John is a Professor at Salem State University, where he teaches taxation, regulation, and business and human rights. He was a Fulbright specialist to and continues to work closely with the University of Mitrovica in Kosovo, and holds visiting appointments and has current research projects at the University of Calgary, and the Universities of Mitrovica and Prizren in Kosovo. He researches how regulatory environments impact business strategy, how regulation and the built environment shape social and firm behaviour, and place-based and constructivist pedagogy.
Research Assistants
Maya Saggar - University of Calgary Maya Saggar is a Curriculum and Learning Specialist and owner of Impact Learning. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D at the University of Calgary, specializing in Curriculum and Learning. Maya’s research interests include experiential learning, curriculum design, gamified learning and professional development. In addition, she serves as contract teaching faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Michelle Brown - University of Calgary Michelle Brown is currently the Head of Learning and Student Success at the University of Ottawa Library. She holds an MLIS from McGill University and an M.Ed from the University of Ottawa. Michelle is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Adult Learning at the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. Her research interests include Indigenous Education, equity and inclusion in academic libraries, and the intersection of equity and open education.
Janis Cunningham - University of Calgary Janis is a community-based B.Ed student at the University of Calgary’s Werklund School of Education and was inducted into the Scholars Academy in 2022. She is from Peavine Métis Settlement and is passionate about authentic and holistic learning through an Indigenous lens. Her experience includes working with/for the University of Alberta Faculty of Native Studies, Ruperstland Center for Metis Research, and Rupertsland Institute on projects including language revitalization, the evolution of Métis Education in Alberta, and innovating experiential learning.