Real-world problems often do not mesh well with mandated curricula and texts. Designing challenges to develop the understandings, skills, and beliefs necessary for tackling real-life problems involves a commitment to authentic learning experiences of increasing sophistication. The experiential learning cycle, by combining academic, scenario, and…

Surveys syllabi of MBA (Masters of Business Administration) communication courses around the United States. Finds that the "typical" MBA course focuses on skill development; integrates both speaking and writing, often with emphasis on speech; and builds problem solving and strategic communication skills through experiential learning.…

During nine days of camping and canoe travel, games were used to promote teamwork and forge cohesive groups out of previously unacquainted college seniors. Types of games included icebreakers, gathering, change of pace, small group closure, large group closure. Eleven games are described. Includes the program's nine-day schedule. (SAS)

Describes the rationale for using reflection to link service experience to learning in college instruction, and offers guidelines for developing effective reflection activities: linking student experiences to learning objectives; giving guidance for the reflection activities; scheduling the activities regularly; allowing feedback and assessment;…

Service-learning has drawn largely on a few major theorists for theoretical support. Additional theoretical perspectives drawn from cognitive psychology and social theory can also contribute, including constructs of concept formation, selective perception, categorization, critical reflection, and mediated learning. Each of these helps to explain…

Discusses the benefits of summer internship programs for youths, with a focus on the "Los Angeles Times" program. Highlights the resulting personnel cost reduction and enhanced community reputation. Presents five tips for successful programs: (1) get interns excited; (2) teach technical and personal improvement skills; (3) train…

This study identified a repertoire of early-life experiences to which young children with visual impairments need to be exposed to develop a foundation for literacy. By analyzing 254 stories from three published basal literacy series, 22 global areas of experience were determined to be essential. Guidelines for providing these experiences and…

Four models of crime prevention are discussed that arise from differing views of the causes of crime: criminal justice, situational, developmental, and social development models. Two activity-based youth crime prevention projects in Queensland (Australia) use developmental and social development models and expand local youth service…

An expressive way of presenting forms of adult education practice was developed using a phenomenological methodology. A case study of a cross-cultural awareness course in Aboriginal Australia illustrates the textual genres used: backgrounding, sketching, poetized reflection, intuiting and distilling using metaphorical and imagistic language, and…

A study examined the effect of a 1-day outdoor experiential training orientation on graduate students' perceptions of stress. Fifty-seven first-year veterinary medicine students were surveyed before the fall semester and during final exam period. Several mood states, including anxiety-tension, vigor-activity, and depression-dejection were…

Proposes a teaching strategy to teach ecological concepts and terminology through the use of games and simulations. Includes examples from physiological ecology, population ecology, and ecosystem ecology. (Author/SOE)

Describes the design and implementation of an activity to teach electrocommunication in animals using scientific inquiry and engineering design to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions in understanding electrocommunication in electric fish; develop explanations of natural phenomena as a creative process; and help understand that…

Discusses creative dramatics as an experiential and interactive play process comprised of three phases: (1) pantomiming action; (2) improvising words; and (3) building plot and characters. Contains teacher information on guiding and encouraging playmaking, creating a developmentally appropriate dramatics program, and the expected benefits of…

Two special educators comment on an article in the same issue by Joe Reichle entitled "Communication Intervention with Persons Who Have Several Disabilities." Siegel-Causey stresses the implications of advances in augmentative and alternative communication and training for broader use of existing communication skills. Mirenda supports combining…

Outdoor education should broaden its scope beyond outdoor activities to include education for sustainability. Provides practical ideas for incorporating holistic environmental awareness into programs by exploring the concepts of connection and consequence with such basic elements as water, air, food, shelter, darkness, solitude, time, and nature.…