Describes a high school project to compile a local history, including funding the project, developing interview questionnaires, taking interviews, and compiling the materials. Discusses results of the project for the students, teacher, high school, and county. (DHP)

Describes several experiential learning projects developed by gifted eighth grade students: drafting a "charter" for governing the classroom, creating a videotaped debate on current issues between generic Democratic and Republican candidates, producing a school newspaper, and researching the history of the school site. (SV)

An activity which combines problem solving with the history and science of hot air balloons is presented. Instructions for making and launching tissue-paper balloons are provided. The advantage of using manipulative materials with middle school students is discussed. (CW)

In poor, urban schools, so much time is spent controlling and disciplining children to obey authority (or to learn the hidden curriculum), that scant time is left for "real" teaching and learning. This article shows how school culture (conditions, norms, relationships, and structures) can be changed to educate all children adequately. Includes 10…

"Where Art Meets Ed" is an annual four-day conference in Hazel Green, Kentucky, which is based on the belief that art is a crucial educational tool that provides an experiential dimension to learning. Describes workshops on Appalachian literature and African dance that demonstrate the links between culture, experience, and learning. (TD)

Two techniques to integrate critical thinking into management internships include having students keep daily journals describing the organization's strengths and weaknesses; and requiring four analytic papers about the organization, written from the perspectives of management, customers, workers, and the student himself. (MSE)

An imaginary interview with Maria Montessori elaborates on three requirements for an effective elementary school. The effective school should match the development and needs of children; be created as a total learning community; and offer an atmosphere and a curriculum that foster children's innate sense of wonder and connection to the natural…

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…