The concept of intertextuality refutes the possibility of "direct" (unmediated) experience. Educators can guide student interpretation of outdoor and nature-related experiences by assigning readings relevant to postmodern life. One frequently assigned text fosters inappropriate romantic environmental attitudes. Recommends works of…

In whole concept mathematics, students actually use math and understand the practicality of what they are studying. This learner-centered approach treats students with respect, uses real-life situations, encompasses a variety of learning styles, and involves cooperative learning techniques. (SK)

Research has clearly established that teachers' practical knowledge, personal theories, and thought processes influence their actions and student learning. This paper finds parallels between teacher and administrator thought processes, illustrates a conceptual framework for incorporating teacher-thinking research findings into an administrator…

The superintendent of Saint Pauls Schools describes how educators, community leaders, businesspersons, and high school students worked together to develop the Way Off Broadway Deli, a successful school-based enterprise providing experiential education in entrepreneurship and small business management, as well as student employment and local…

At a Pennsylvania middle school, an informal, cooperative effort to apply fractions to cookie recipes resulted in an interdisciplinary project on the homelessness. Embracing home economics, mathematics, art, English, social studies, and reading, the project incorporates the essentials of middle school philosophy: cooperative learning, team…

Misconceptions of Finnish secondary students about phases of the moon illustrate the separation of school learning from experience and cognition outside of school. Three approaches to overcome the encapsulation of school learning are suggested based on theories of V. V. Davydov, J. Lave and E. Wenger, and the author. (SLD)

Presents lesson plans for grades K-3 based on 4 well-known paintings Discusses historical background and cultural impact of the paintings. Provides student activities and assessment suggestions. (CFR)

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics recently published two documents emphasizing solving nonroutine problems in meaningful contexts. "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics" (1989) describes what students should know and a framework for developing appropriate curricula. "Professional Standards for…

Learning cycle techniques (exploration, concept introduction, and concept application) are presented as an effective way to help students with hearing impairments to develop science concepts and process skills. A teacher inservice program developed at the University of Indiana to help teachers use learning cycle strategies for teaching science is…

Discusses "How Does a Community Work," a Junior Achievement economic education program for second graders. Explains that the lessons teach children about how people live together and the job choices available in a community. Describes how the program fits into a social studies curriculum on neighborhoods and communities. (DK)

Discusses "Project Business," a middle school program designed by Junior Achievement. Explains that in the program a business consultant comes to the school one period a week to speak to students. Describes learning activities that include field trips, economic games, job interview demonstrations, and an essay contest. (DK)

Describes the community participation facet of the eleventh-grade social studies curriculum for British Columbia. Proposes a four-stage model to identify, study, and propose recommendations about a community issue or problem. Suggests that social action based on empirical research improves social studies instruction. (CFR)

Research has shown that learning is most effective when job-related. The ideal solution for many young students would be work-study programs or apprenticeships that closely relate learning and experience. Industry stresses the need for a fourth "R" beyond the basic literacy skills--readiness for change. Computer simulation programs may help enrich…

Outlines the theory and practice of debriefing and considers its importance in experiential learning and outdoor adventure education. Discusses theories of transfer of learning; levels of cognitive processing in relation to sequence of debriefing questions and activities; establishing supportive group behaviors; 10 soft skills needed by debriefing…

Recommends the use of cemeteries as the focus of student research in secondary social studies. Presents methods for initiating such a project and guidance for appropriate student behavior. Includes a list of suggested activities for cemetery studies. (CFR)