Uses an Ohio Montessori philosophy statement as a framework to advocate for Montessori-appropriate assessment in public schools. Evaluates the effects of the Ohio Proficiency Test in grades 4 and 6 on practice of the Montessori philosophy. Finds that proficiency testing does not support the Montessori philosophy statement in key areas, instead…

Discusses how the definition of educational objectives led to the introduction of practical training that is compulsory or advised in many engineering curricula and defined as "learning to put knowledge and skills into practice". Introduces an assessment procedure that allows for testing whether students have met the objectives.…

From a review of Bonser's early work in industrial arts to the neurological research of Frank Wilson, a case is made for the inclusion of hand skill development in technology education. Benefits include engagement, responsiveness to learning styles, and contribution to cognitive development. (Contains 18 references.) (SK)

Basic principles of the nature therapy model are described, integrating the author's personal journey and examples from fieldwork and theory. Four aspects are nature as "sacred space"; nature as therapeutic setting; healing potential of nature's physical and aesthetic elements and connections to "universal truths"; and…

Questionnaires completed by 54 human resource development graduate students who participated in a low-ropes activity indicated that it enhanced learning of course concepts. Students thought that effective facilitation of the activity contributed to their learning. (Contains 39 references.) (SK)

Presents a model for calculating the return on investment in outdoor experiential training that focuses on pre- and posttraining behavior and business performance. Includes a method for converting data on turnover, absenteeism, productivity, quality, and job performance into monetary values to compute return. (Contains 54 references.) (SK)

An action learning approach to help managers enhance learning capacity involved a performance management seminar, work by action learning sets, implementation of a new performance management instrument with mentoring by action learning facilitators, and evaluation. Survey responses from 392 participants revealed satisfaction with managerial…

Experience has been the focus of many approaches to student engagement and active learning. However, how can students make that critical connection between their own experiences and what they are studying? The authors show how student reflection is the key ingredient for transforming experience into meaningful learning. (Contains 13 references.)…

Examines the current trend of adventure education as a form of management and leadership training for corporate executives. Discusses the benefits of experiential education for executives and influential people. Considers potential problems related to ethics, safety, and quality control across programs. (SV)

Staff developers can plan better programs if they have some knowledge of adult learning theory and if they use principles and practices of exemplary adult education. Participants should be helped to examine their cultural and organizational assumptions. (JD)

Interviewed members of semester-long, unstructured small group processes course to identify trainer interventions contributing most to learning. Based on information obtained in interviews, a model was developed which divided trainers' teaching acts into three sequential levels: articulation, legitimation, and connections. (Author/NB)

Describes a framework for competency-based training focused on the importance of training the person responsible for implementing staff development programs. Suggests Kolb's experiential learning model as a vehicle for instilling competencies that overcome difficulties with many traditional, single modality approaches to training. (JOW)

Contains five personal accounts: (1) "From Intern to Senior Staff: Movement toward Self-Nurturance" (William Holahan); (2) "Toward the Emergence of Professional Identity" (Marya Barey Kyril); (3) "Selling My Private Practice: When Less is More" (Lynn Rew); (4) "Mid-Life Career Change: Taking the Plunge" (Richard Weigel); and (5) "A Chance…

Reviews articles in special journal issue dealing with critical incidents, or direct experiences which have impacted the counselors who experienced them. Examines what critical incidents mean to the persons they affect and discusses the powerfulness of mistakes, of personal crises, and of empathy. (NB)

Reports on the findings of a study designed to investigate factors that influence the educational effectiveness of field trips for students. Recommends that a field trip should occur early in the concrete part of the curriculum and should be preceded by a relatively short preparatory unit that focuses on increasing familiarity with the learning…