Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Partnerships in Learning: A Collaborative Project between Higher Education Students and Elementary School Students

  • Published:
Innovative Higher Education Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Higher education and K-12 school partnerships are typically designed with an end-goal that serves the instructional needs of one group over the other. For this project, a university professor and elementary school instructor used problem-based and project-based learning strategies to design a curriculum that served the academic needs of both groups of students. Undergraduate students in an urban planning course partnered with elementary students from a local school to work on an interdependent civic engagement project. The partnership provided innovative, twenty-first teaching for both groups of students while also reinforcing public service.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Baker, P. J. (2011). Three configurations of school-university partnerships: An exploratory study. Planning and Changing, 42, 41–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Botchwey, N. D., Trowbridge, M., & Fisher, T. (2014). Green health: Urban planning and the development of healthy and sustainable neighborhood schools. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 34, 13–122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bruce-Davis, M. N., & Chancey, J. M. (2012). Connecting students to the real world: Developing gifted behaviors through service learning. Psychology in the Schools, 49, 716–723.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burton, S. L., & Greher, G. R. (2007). School–university partnerships: What do we know and why do they matter? Arts Education Policy Review, 109, 13–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carlisle, K. (2011). Arts education partnerships: Informing policy through the development of culture and creativity within a collaborative project approach. Arts Education Policy Review, 112, 144–148.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Christenson, M., Johnston, M., & Norris, J. (Eds.). (2001). Teaching together: School/ university collaboration to improve social studies education. Washington, DC: National Council for the Social Studies.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chung, S. K., & Ortiz, C. (2011). Art education in action on the street. Art Education, 64(3), 46–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clinton, J. (2000, April). A collaborative leadership model for university-school-community partnerships. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, New Orleans, LA.

  • Conway, J. M., Amel, E. L., & Gerwien, D. P. (2009). Teaching and learning in the social context: A meta-analysis of service learning’s effects on academic, personal, social, and citizenship outcomes. Teaching of Psychology, 36, 233–245.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cormas, P. C., & Barufaldi, J. P. (2011). The effective research-based characteristics of professional development of the National Science Foundation’s GK-12 program. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 22, 255–272. doi:10.1007/s10972-011-9228-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeSimone, C. (2008). Problem-based learning: A framework for prospective teachers’ pedagogical problem solving. Teacher Development, 12, 179–191. doi:10.1080/13664530802259206

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Drake, K. N., & Long, D. (2009). Rebecca’s in the dark: A comparative study of problem-based learning and direct instruction/experimental learning in two 4th-grade classrooms. Journal of Elementary Science Education, 21(1), 1–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Druckman, R., Peterson, L. M., & Thrasher, S. M. (2002). Partnerships with K–12 education. New Directions for Higher Education, 2002(120), 11–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duch, J., Groh, S. E., & Allen, D. E. (Eds.). (2001). The power of problem-based learning. Sterling, VA: Stylus.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duster, T., & Waters, A. (2006). Engaged learning across the curriculum: The vertical integration. Liberal Education, 92(2), 42–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eyler, J., & Giles, D. E. (1999). Where’s the learning in service-learning? San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Filippatou, D., & Stavroula, K. (2010). The effectiveness of project-based learning on pupils with learning difficulties regarding academic performance, group work and motivation. International Journal of Special Education, 25(1), 17–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frykedal, K. F., & Chiriac, E. H. (2011). Assessment of students’ learning when working in groups. Educational Research, 53, 331–345.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gallagher, S. A. (2000). An experiment in curriculum for gifted disadvantaged high school students. NASSP Bulletin, April, 47-57.

  • Gallagher, S. A., & Gallagher, J. J. (2013). Using problem-based learning to explore unseen academic potential. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 7(1), 111–131. doi:10.7771/1541-5015.1322

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gallagher, S. A., Stepien, W. J., & Rosenthal, H. (1992). The effects of problem-based learning on problem solving. Gifted Child Quarterly, 36, 195–200.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia, P. A. (1999, February 28-March 4). Avoiding pratfalls in K-16 collaboratives. Paper presented at Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference. San Antonio, TX.

  • Gieselmann, S. (2008). Successful university & school partnerships: Social studies clubs in elementary afterschool programs. Childhood Education, 85, 1–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Green, C., & Medina-Jerez, W. (2012). Promoting action-oriented citizen science in the classroom. The Science Teacher, 79(9), 58–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hallerman, S., Larmer, J., & Mergendoller, J. R. (2011). PBL in the elementary grades. Novato, CA: Buck Institute for Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hmelo-Silver, C. E. (2004). Problem-based learning: What and how do students learn? Educational Psychology Review, 16, 235–266.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kain, D. L. (2003). Problem-based learning for teachers, grades K-8. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelshaw, T., Lazarus, R., & Miner, J. (2009). Partnerships for service-learning: Impacts on communities and students. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kramer-Vida, L., Levitt, R., & Kelly, S. P. (2012). University/school district collaboration changes a kindergarten program. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 48, 78–183. doi:10.1080/00228958.2012.734016

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lucas, L. (1998). Motivating gifted learners through problem-based learning. Gifted Education Press Quarterly, 12(1), 8–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luter, D. G., Lester, J. N., Robert, F., & Kronick, R. F. (2013). “Remember, It’s a Pilot”: Exploring the experiences of teachers/staff at a university-assisted community school. School Community Journal, 23, 161–184.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKoy, D. L., & Vincent, J. M. (2007). Engaging Schools in urban revitalization: The Y-PLAN (Youth-Plan, Learn, Act, Now!). Journal of Planning Education and Research, 20, 389–403.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Merrill, C., Devine, K. L., Brown, J. W., & Brown, R. A. (2010). Improving geometric and trigonometric knowledge and skill for high school mathematics teachers: A professional development partnership. The Journal of Technology Studies, 36(2), 20–30.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moreno, N. (2005). Science education partnerships: Being realistic about meeting expectations. Cell Biology Education, 4, 30–32. doi:10.1187/cbe.04-11-0050

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • National Education Association (2010). Preparing 21st Century students for a global society: An educator’s guide to the “four Cs.” Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/A-Guideto-Four-Cs.pdf

  • Nugent, P., & Faucette, N. (2013). Empowering innovations: Adding value to university-school partnerships. College Student Journal, 47, 567–577.

    Google Scholar 

  • P21: Partnership for 21st Century Learning (2015). Framework for 21st century learning. Washington, DC: P21. Retrieved from http://www.p21.org/about-us/p21-framework

  • Paul, E. L. (2006). Community-based research as scientific and civic pedagogy. Peer Review, 4(1), 12–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Picciano, A. G., & Steiner, R. V. (2008). Bringing the real world of science to children: A partnership of the American Museum of Natural History and the City University of New York. Retrieved from American Museum of Natural History Website: http://www.amnh.org/learn-teach/evaluation-research-and-policy/research/bringing-the-real-world-of-science-to-children

  • Polman, J. L. (2002, April). Inquiry into local history as a means to foster multiple levels of development. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, New Orleans, LA.

  • Ponder, J., Veldt, M. V., & Lewis-Ferrell, G. (2011). Citizenship, curriculum, and critical thinking beyond the four walls of the classroom: Linking the academic content with service-learning. Teacher Education Quarterly, 38(4), 45–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramaly, J. A. (2002). Creating a focus for the engaged institution: K-12 science and math reform. The Journal of Public Affairs, 1, 139–159.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rao, S., Shamah, D., & Collay, R. (2007). Meaningful involvement of science undergraduates in K-12 outreach. Journal of College Science Teaching, 36(6), 54–58.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenberg, M., Brownell, M., McCray, E. D., deBettencourt, L. U., Leko, M., & Long, S. (2009). Development and sustainability of school-university partnerships in special education teacher preparation: A critical review of the literature. (NCIPP Doc. No. RS-3ES). Retrieved from University of Florida, National Center to Inform Policy and Practice in Special Education Professional Development Web Site: http://ncipp.org/reports/rs_3es.pdf

  • Savery, J. R. (2006). Overview of problem-based learning: Definitions and distinctions. The Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning. 1(1), 9-20. Available at http://dx.doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1002

  • Schultz, B. D. (2008). Spectacular things happen along the way: Lessons from an urban classroom. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scott, T. P., Wilson, C., Upchurch, D. R., Goldberg, M., & Bentz, A. (2011). The USDA and K–12 partnership: A model program for federal agencies. Journal of Natural Resources & Life Sciences Education, 40, 29–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sherman, H. J., & Catapano, S. S. (2011). After-school elementary school mathematics club: Enhancing achievement and encouraging future teachers. Education Research Quarterly, 35(1), 3–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shinners, K. D. (2006). Follow the leader. International Journal of Educational Management, 20, 206 - 214. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09513540610654173

  • Stelf-Mabry, J., Goodall, J., & Powers, C. (2005-2006). Creating and sustaining problem-based partnerships among graduate, undergraduate, and K-12 learners: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 34, 131-153.

  • Swicord, B. (n.d.). Problem-based learning: A promising strategy for gifted students. [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.nsgt.org/problem-based-learning/

  • Tan, O-S, Teo, C. T., & Chye, S. (2009) Problems and creativity. In O-S Tan (Ed.), Problem-based learning and creativity (pp. 1-13). Singapore: Cengage Learning. Retrieved from http://m.friendfeed-media.com/ce4423812fc73aeace307454f8da1ec003b29ebb

  • Tanner, K. D., Chatman, L., & Allen, D. (2003). Approaches to biology teaching and learning: Science teaching and learning across the school–university divide—cultivating conversations through scientist–teacher partnerships. Cell Biology Education, 2, 195–201.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tomanek, D. (2005). Building successful partnerships between K–12 and universities. Cell Biology Education, 4, 28–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Trauth-Nare, A., & Buck, G. (2011). Assessment for learning: Using formative assessment in problem- and project-based learning. The Science Teacher, 78(1), 34–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turley, R. N., & Stevens, C. (2015). Lessons from a school district–university research partnership: The Houston Education Research Consortium. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 37(1S), 6S–15S. doi:10.3102/0162373715576074

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Unrath, K., & Luehrman, M. (2009). Bringing children to art - bringing art to children. Art Education, 62(1), 41–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Virginia Department of Education (2015). Standards of learning (SOL) and testing. Available from: http:// http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/

  • Weiland, I. (2011). Where does our food come from? Science and Children, 48, 40–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wrobel, D. (2008). A lesson from the past and some hope for the future: The history academy and the schools, 1880-2007. The History Teacher, 41, 151–162.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yetkiner, Z. E., Anderoglu, H., & Capraro, R. M. (2008). Research summary: Project-based learning in middle grades mathematics. Retrieved from http://www.nmsa.org/Research/ResearchSummaries/ProjectBasedLearninginMath/tabid/1570/Default.aspx

  • Zumbach, J., Kumpf, D., & Koch, S. (2004). Using multimedia to enhance problem-based learning in the elementary school. Information Technology in Childhood Education Annual, 2004, 25–37.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Curriculum, Instruction, & Special Education, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, 405 Emmet St S, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA

    Peggi E. Hunter

  2. School of City & Regional Planning, College of Architecture, Georgia Institute of Technology, 245 4th Street NW, Suite 204, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0155, USA

    Nisha D. Botchwey

Authors
  1. Peggi E. Hunter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Nisha D. Botchwey
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Peggi E. Hunter.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Hunter, P.E., Botchwey, N.D. Partnerships in Learning: A Collaborative Project between Higher Education Students and Elementary School Students. Innov High Educ 42, 77–90 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-016-9363-x

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-016-9363-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation