This study evaluated 4 types of assessment with 74 fourth-grade students with and without learning disabilities (LD) in general education classrooms. Students with and without LD performed more strongly on the hands-on tasks than the paper-and-pencil measures; the facilitative effect of hands-on assessment was greater for students with LD and…

Examines the role of the outdoors in child development. The expanse of outdoors teaches humility, yet does not judge, thereby teaching self-esteem. Nature's diversity teaches that difference is the norm, thereby teaching tolerance. Small nearby places that children favor--trees, brooks, ponds--nurture a sense of home. Early outdoor experiences are…

Ninety-eight adventure therapy professionals analyzed a proposed definition of emotional safety and rated 26 factors hypothesized to affect an individual's level of emotional safety during adventure activities. Factors were related to specific techniques used by instructors, instructor skills and abilities, the physical environment, and group…

Compares the success of two approaches to biology courses for underprepared community college students, one involving a hands-on approach emphasizing practice in basic scientific skills and the other involving a remediation-based approach focusing on basic vocabulary, reading, library, and math skills. Suggests that the hands-on approach provided…

Outdoor adventure-based professionals must take on the challenge of integrating the experiential-learning philosophy and values-clarification component of adventure education into the entire school curriculum. As good role models and good risk takers, adventure-based educators are well suited to push for educational reforms that focus on the…

Presents a practical model for planning and implementing a field trip as an integral part of the science curriculum. Reviews the literature related to the role of field trips in the learning process; describes the model; and provides an example implementing the learning cycle method. (Contains 17 references.) (MDH)

Describes the failed effort to establish certification procedures for an Applied Social Research Specialist, a sociologist who would work in research-related positions. Compares the program to the Ford Motor Company's development of the Edsel. Discusses reasons why the application estimates were wrong. (CFR)

Outlines a conceptual framework for understanding individual development related to intercultural competence and prejudice reduction. Presents a model of identity formation encompassing physical, academic, social, and cultural/spiritual self. Suggests that dialog and reflection, two essential components of intrapersonal and interpersonal…

Sunrise Museum's Science Hall in Charleston, WV, offers 30 hands-on exhibits that introduce children to science. Museum programs use a 9-foot soft-sculptured, unzippable doll to teach children about nutrition and basic anatomy and recruit representatives from local businesses and industry to conduct weekend science workshops. (LP)

Addresses the relevance of incorporating culture into wilderness adventure education programs. Examples of Hawaiian culture illustrate the application of culture in developing a foundational philosophy, as a teaching tool, as a communication medium, as a way to reach student and course goals, and as a bridge from wilderness to home life. (LP)

Six brief articles by elementary school teachers in Foxfire's East Tennessee Teachers' Network focus on applying Foxfire core practices in a developmentally appropriate manner in grades K-3, and describe kindergarten journals, student decision making, and projects involving local history and garbage recycling. (SV)

Describes the Cooperative Extension Water Watchers Program (Washington) that brings together participants from diverse backgrounds, introduces them to environmental and natural history topics, encourages discussion of "hot" issues, and concludes with participants volunteering in environmental projects. The program is successful because…

Ph.D. program at California Institute of Integral Studies trains Native Americans and other indigenous peoples to deepen their traditional knowledge and strengthen its environmental impact. A parallel program helps Euro-Americans discover their own indigenous values. Both programs focus on integrating Earth-based knowledge with Western science.…

Asserts that a longitudinal content analysis of smiling by senior women in college yearbooks provides beginning sociological students with an excellent way to discover many sociological concepts. Presents a classroom assignment in which students code college yearbooks for female smiles and make hypotheses about their findings. (CFR)

Born in 1939 and raised in southwestern North Carolina, banjoist Raymond Fairchild discusses music, religion, the mountain life of his youth, education, racism, and politics from the unique perspective of one who "never did go to school enough to mess up none of my work." His firm belief in a self-made, self-educated person is reflected…