This report summarizes the research and results of the Evaluation of Experiential Learning Project, undertaken to (1) assess the impact of experiential learning programs on the social, psychological, and intellectual development of secondary school students; and (2) use these data to identify those program variables most effective in facilitating…

In order to study the appropriateness of different structured classroom settings for children's learning and development, the Columbia Classroom has constructed IRIS (Involvement Ratings in Settings) and PRIN (the Pupil Role Interview). IRIS, a seven dimensional scale of affectivity by non-verbal indices, has been employed in two classrooms for…

Focuses on elementary and middle school students as peer helpers. The five articles describe the peer helper concept and how it can enhance learning, offers suggestions for training peer helpers, describes helping projects and program evaluation, and suggests other ways of improving school climate through cross-age interaction. (JAC)

The Academy For Learning (AFL) serves urban students with emotional and behavioral problems. Through a Personal and Social Responsibility program, students develop skills for personal growth and service learning. Many alternative programs for troubled students offer little more than a curriculum for containment and control. In contrast, students…

Character includes the emotional, intellectual and moral qualities of a person or group as the demonstration of these qualities in prosocial behavior. Character education is an inclusive term encompassing all aspects of how schools, related social institutions and parents can support the positive character development of children and adults.…

The Ontario (Canada) Ministry of Education and the Toronto (Ontario) Board of Education have suggested or mandated use of the teacher advisory structure for grades 7 through 9. The establishment of teacher advisory groups involves organizing teachers and students into small groups to permit instruction and advising to be personalized. Their…

This study examined effects of a Dalton Junior College (Georgia) student success course, Dalton College Studies 101 (DCS 101) since it was first offered in 1987. The course meets twice a week, is strictly elective, and carries institutional credit. All students were first-time students and since most students enroll during the Fall quarter, only…

The report summarizes findings and recommendations of a California Task Force on Program Effectiveness in Special Education. The 30 Task Force members ("stakeholders" in special education) were divided into committees to address four goals: (1) identify the mission of special education and describe the context in which special education…

A study investigated the impact of sex education on current high school students and high school alumni. Studied were the views of current students and alumni, about the achievement of 33 program outcomes, at two high schools (one in the East and the other in the Midwest) identified as having exemplary sex education programs. The Sex Education…

This guidance plan was prepared to assist counselors in establishing quality programs with an emphasis on work-related education and training and to serve as a model for developing competency-based and accountable programs at the local level. The first section defines guidance terms and presents an overview of basic premises for guidance program…

This training manual describes an educational procedure in which students counsel and help facilitate the positive growth and development of other students in their own age group. The materials present a model peer counseling training program consisting of 32 sessions in which group process is used, including eight components focusing on the skill…

An instructional unit, "Coping in the World of Work: Practice in Problem Solving," designed to assist 11th and 12th grade high school students in developing the ability to solve vocational adjustment problems was developed and evaluated. Instructional goals of the unit included the following: (1) To become acquainted with the range of job…

The educational and pyschological effects of the practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) on secondary school students were examined. A course including TM technique was taught to two public high school classes of 30 volunteers each. One class took the TM course for both semesters; the other took an alternative course in self-development for the…

Questionnaires were administered to students and faculty to evaluate a university living/learning program. Results indicated that students' experiences at the Living/Learning Center seem to help them become independent adults. Factors enhancing or impeding a student's chances for a successful experience in the center are discussed. (RC)

In a survey of 517 8th- and 12th-grade students in Waterloo County (Ontario) schools, the majority of students who had attended outdoor and environmental education programs reported high levels of learning in key areas of ecology and environmental studies. In addition, most respondents reported feeling positive about the program and their…