A practice-based learning model, involving self-directed learning, critical self-reflection, intentional active learning, and learning community, provides a way to structure informal continuing professional education (CPE) that occurs in practice. As individuals assume more responsibility for their learning, the legitimacy of informal CPE should…

Argues that standard methods of teaching Irving Fisher's theory of interest to undergraduates are generally difficult and unsuccessful. Presents a lesson in which students playing out roles in a story learn how the interest rate determines equilibrium in credit markets and sets prices of investment opportunities. (DSK)

Describes a celebration developed by children, staff, and parents at Morris L. Eisenstein Learning Center (Brooklyn, New York) to share the customs of Diwali, Hannukah, Loi Krathong, Kwanzaa, Nacimiento, and Christmas with the diverse student population. Includes brief descriptions of each holiday and activities included in the center's…

Describes nine group problem-solving and communication initiatives used in adventure- and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props, instructions, and tips for post-activity group reflection and processing. Activities emphasize teamwork, communication skills, and a…

Describes four diversity-related group activities for adolescents or adults, used in adventure- and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props, instructions, and tips for post-activity group reflection and processing. The activities are concerned with social-justice…

Describes a watershed/river monitoring project. Teachers use the environment as the integrating context for interdisciplinary and cross-curricular studies. Core studies include science, reading, math, and social studies. (CCM)

Outlines two projects that highlight the multidimensionality of aging processes for adult development and aging courses: (1) students design an age-appropriate retirement community using buildings on the local college campus; and (2) students present products they design to remedy specific age-related problems. (DSK)

North American society insulates itself from suffering by encouraging rational detachment, but empathy is a basic human quality that enables a richer, fuller view of life. Living with empathy means drawing forward the living things we usually reduce to a backdrop, and listening to the experiences of other. The accompanying sadness brings balance…

Points out that learning in Western cultures is predominately concerned with left-brain, or rational, knowledge. Discusses the importance of balancing our learning systems with right-brain, or intuitive, knowledge; how outdoor and experiential learning can help foster this balance; and the role of the instructor as facilitator rather than teacher.…

An Ohio University summer field school spent 10 weeks unearthing a 2,000-year-old Adena Indian village site. The project gave important insights into Adena daily life and gave students an opportunity to learn archeological thinking skills and techniques through actual experience. (TD)

Presents hand-on, standards-based activities in language arts, math, science, and social studies, including a daily almanac; bookmark buddies; word palettes; bowling for numbers; math thought teasers; plant puzzles; fingerprint fun; a travel bureau; and an end-of-the-year bulletin board of people involved in interesting activities. Reproducible…

A social learning approach (modeling, role play, feedback) was used with 52 business students and experiential learning exercises with 53. The social learning group outperformed the experiential group on two of three criteria. There were no significant differences in student preferences for either approach. (SK)

Describes a Community Analysis course that gives students an opportunity to apply urban theory through direct community engagement. Notes course objectives and organization (as a condensed special topic to allow travel, or within the regular semester). Identifies benefits/risks of community experiential learning for instructors and students.…

Describes a set of community-problem assignments for upper-level undergraduate public policy courses which require students to connect public policy analysis and scholarly research to a specific policy problem in a community. Analyzes student evaluations of the assignments and suggests modifications to fit different curriculum needs. (Author/DB)

Presents two hands-on mathematics activities for teaching K -3 students to experience fractions on a tactile level. The first uses chocolates to demonstrate that fractions can be part of a whole, can be part of a set, and are equal parts. The second has students design a classroom fraction museum with fraction exhibits designed and presented by…