A study investigated master of business administration (MBA) students' attitudes toward experiential learning before and after participation in a strategic management course using that approach. While the course matched student ideals on two dimensions (applied/theoretical orientation and lecturer/participant locus of learning) and student…

Presents ideas from elementary school teachers who have made hands-on science an integral part of their classrooms. Includes suggestions for overcoming obstacles to hands-on science, innovative teaching techniques that encourage girls to excel in science and math, model activities to win parent/teacher support, and a list of eight "sensational"…

Describes an undergraduate business course in organizational behavior in which students participated in experiential learning exercises linked to classroom conceptual learning, then reflected on the experiences in a written synthesizing statement. Examples of students' insights are provided. Advantages and disadvantages of the approach and…

Integrated curriculum applied to the outdoors is a blending of traditional subjects presented through a holistic teaching approach in the outdoor classroom, whereby students gain credit for the integrated subjects. Four innovative programs in British Columbia and the Yukon Territory are described that use this approach for environmental, science,…

Examines the environmental experiences of eighth grade boys and girls in Eugene (Oregon). Students kept a one-week diary of all the places they visited in Eugene. Suggests that gender and social relationships influence how males and females interact with places in their communities. (CMK)

Service learning, which combines community service with curriculum objectives, has several components: preparation, collaboration, service projects, curriculum integration, and reflection. Although opponents of mandatory programs criticize service learning as detracting from academics, studies indicate positive effects on academic achievement and…

A survey of 140 parents of Nevada 4-H members found that 4-H programs successfully taught a variety of life skills to youth. Active members learned more about life skills than less active members, although all showed gains. The quality of adult leadership skills and the instructional effectiveness of 4-H competitions and projects were highly…

Increasing numbers of Canadians are removed from contact with nature and environmental degradation is increasing, yet the Ontario government is cutting funding for environmental and outdoor education in the public school system. Statements by scientists, educators, authors, government officials, and environmentalists note the importance of…

The inclusion of music in outdoor educational programs exposes students to a form of communication outside verbal language, develops intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, and improves academic performance in other areas. Through music, one can reconnect with nature, appreciate other cultures, and improve listening skills. Including music in…

Discusses ways that library media specialists can influence lifelong learning habits by collaborating with teachers on projects and activities that incorporate real-life applications. Based on readings from the whole-language philosophy and school-reform movement, presents examples from a high school; the examples stress authentic learning…

Describes an approach to teaching politics that employs actions, scenes, agents, agency, and purpose to encourage students to experience and analyze political behavior. Argues that students participate more in class when they assume a role that is clearly "not themselves." Uses a course about the U.S. presidency as an example. (DSK)

Investigates undergraduate students' development and sociological learning by comparing two classes of students enrolled in a Race and Ethnic Relations course in which one section utilized service learning and the other was a lecture-discussion course with experiential exercises. Reports that service learning improved student learning in areas…

Maintains that when students learn about social problems they often feel depressed and apathetic about their ability to change these problems in society. Describes the Community Exploration Project that addresses the despair expressed by students and utilizes a student-centered approach where students discover and understand community efforts to…

Two graduate courses in outdoor education administration were altered to integrate computer technology in ways that might enhance experiential learning. Student reactions indicated that if experiential components need not be limited to conventional outdoor education experiences, and if they foster relevant reflection and generalization, then…

Describes a university-school collaboration that prepares education paraprofessionals for careers as teachers of the deaf and yields insights and recommendations concerning adult learners. Discusses the contributions adult learners' experience bring to the course, the role of mentors in merging practice with theory, the adult learner's need for…