Two generally unexamined premises about education that have contributed to recent disappointment in the outcomes of education are examined: (1) that learning is always pleasurable; and (2) that no difference exists between formal and experiential learning. (MSE)

A comparison of three instructional methods (frontal lecture strategies, mastery learning strategies, and experiential mastery learning strategies) in a paramedical course showed that frontal lecture produced the highest scores on the lower mental process subtest while experiential mastery learning produced the highest scores on all measures of…

Gives practical ideas for successful first aid simulations with specific steps for planning, executing, and debriefing. Emphasizes safety measures, realism, and planning for a definite purpose, e.g., motivating students to learn first aid/emergency procedures. Suggestions for debriefing cover time to air feelings, construct a factual chronology,…

Surveyed 1,100 newly returned American Field Service (AFS) foreign exchange students to measure personal development in 17 characteristics. Results showed students identified rapid development in ideals and skepticism of stereotypes. (JAC)

Summarizes educational benefits of experiential learning from the literature, identifies course objectives, and describes a course offered by Department of Management at University of Central Florida. This course used experiential learning devices to teach students about personnel and staffing in organizations. Course outcomes and student…

New mothers and beginning teachers face many of the same types of feelings and experiences as they learn to cope with their new roles. Implications for changing the conditions of support for new teachers and suggestions for involving more individuals in teaching are offered. (DF)

Describes one assignment particularly effective not only in illustrating some of the principles of schema theory but also in the preparation of prospective teachers. The assignment is to plan and carry out an experience students have never had before. (HOD)

Describes the successful first year of a public communications class at Chanute High School (Kansas), the objective of which was for 10 participating students to research, organize, and present a biweekly, school-oriented television program which would be shown on the local Cablevision channel. (MH)

Discusses how Andrew Bell's practical innovations in working-class children's education and Samuel Coleridge's concept of liberal education focusing on self-discovery of knowledge embroiled both men in the educational currents of nineteenth century England. (DMM)

Presents criteria that science teachers can use to decide where a given classroom activity falls in a continuum from concrete to abstract. The system is intended as a way of selecting appropriate tasks for children based on their previous experiences and their level of development. (JM)

Describes how the Violet Hill, Arkansas K-12 school district developed a new curriculum through outdoor education. Describes how the district's alternative energy agricultural complex (including a windmill, solar greenhouse, and farm plots, and gardens) will be incorporated into the curriculum via math, business, science, agriculture, economics,…

Discusses the use of cooperative experiential learning as a method to help non-English speakers improve their English communication skills. Cites such factors as the necessity for cooperation and communication among students, the motivational character of natural conversation, and the "mainstreaming" of the limited English speaker. (PGD)

As teachers and principals prepare students to pass mandated academic tests, they should not overlook the role educational travel can play in motivating students to achieve. Travel brings curriculum to life and teaches lessons that students will remember--and need--throughout their lives. In this article, the author describes educational travel…

This paper provides a framework for thinking about origami construction and constructivism. In an attempt to understand the conceptual and theoretical framework supporting the field of inclusive teaching strategies in relationship to origami, I have prepared a model for origami which represents six types of constructive learning: (1) Hands-on…

There have been two traditions of outdoor education in Great Britain. Field studies focus on science, while outdoor pursuits focus on physical skills and technical knowledge or personal and social development through challenging situations. These two approaches have much in common and much to offer each other. Although both approaches use the…