The reduction of anxiety associated with teaching science and an increased confidence in science ability in elementary teachers is shown through the use of a properly designed introductory course that integrates teaching methods, the nature of science, and process skills. The course design, evaluation, methods, and discussion/results are included.…

Describes an experiential learning activity in which a Connecticut fifth grade class designated a new holiday, Friendship Day, through an essay-writing contest. The class pursued legalizing the holiday through the state legislative process, and Friendship Day is now celebrated on the fourth Sunday in April in Connecticut. Shows how the class…

The article describes the modification and implementation in Saint Bernard Parish (Louisiana) of the Adult Performance Level Curriculum with mildly handicapped secondary students. Major skill areas are coordinated with areas of functional competency, with the goal of achieving competency in 42 specific areas of adult life. Field experiences…

Describes a two-day field experience in which college-level business and economics students visited businesses and municipal government organizations. Contends that preparatory experiences were essential to the program's success. Concludes that students were more optimistic about the economy and more enthusiastic about their future work in…

Describes a primary-level field geography program in which students explore the geography and archaeology of their rural community. Presents a set of mapping activities to help students understand cardinal directions and use locational skills. Concludes that the program has successfully involved students, parents, and community members in…

Argues that active learning should be the goal of every teacher. Contends that this can be achieved through the use of cooperative learning, attention to learning styles, and hands-on strategies. Includes a lesson plan utilizing audiovisual aids. (CFR)

The "Passport to Flexible Learning" project was designed to support Central Queensland University's (Australia) plan to use a variety of communication technologies for the delivery of units of study across its geographically isolated campuses. Hands-on workshops were developed to introduce first-year students to a variety of electronic…

Details the process of implementing problem-based learning in the classroom, illustrated by a planning course. Problem-based learning is a promising method that helps students acquire the skills and knowledge to be more effective practitioners by tackling real-world problems. The instructor, as cognitive coach, ensures that students are active,…

Howard Gardner defines naturalists as persons who recognize flora and fauna and other consequential distinctions in the natural world and use this ability productively. A sixth-grade teacher discusses Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, specifically the naturalist intelligence, and suggests ways to teach the naturalist intelligence through…

The University of Technology, Sydney (Australia) graduate certificate program in local government management grew from a desire for program flexibility and relevance and resulted in a partnership with local government. The one-year program has a variety of delivery modes, with both delivery and content negotiated by participants, employers, and…

Describes the Hutterites, a communal German-speaking Christian sect in the northwestern United States and western Canada, who typically school their children only through eighth grade and allow further education only for teacher training. Discusses how well Hutterite children do in public schools, Hutterite teacher education programs at…

Discusses the actions and approaches advanced during the 1996 Summer Colloquium, "Art and Ecology: Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Curriculum." Illustrates how action-oriented inquiry makes learning relevant to all people through exploring the poetry of place. The colloquium identified community ecological issues that could be examined through…

Deliberately patterned on the recommendations of the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, Hellgate Middle School (Montana) teaches practical skills to promote critical thinking, teamwork, and decision-making skills; uses computer-assisted learning to allow student exploration and individualized learning; includes an interdisciplinary…

Laurentian University (Ontario) offers a 4-year holistic outdoor adventure leadership program that promotes personal growth, develops leadership skills, and trains individuals to be safety-minded in various outdoor settings. A strong environmental ethic is promoted through courses in biology and Canadian Native culture. Practicums, internships,…

Describes the development of Atta-Touch, the school-based business run by students at Clark Fork Junior/Senior High School in Idaho, that grew out of an entrepreneurship class and that currently designs and creates technology-based, multimedia products. Discusses community building; real-world experience; project-based learning; and products…