Raises the notion of service learning, which is defined as a method of helping students develop their own learning through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experience. Explores the use of science as the curriculum and service learning as the methodology to reach students and improve science instruction. (KHR)

An Ohio University program that introduces botany students to field work sent a team to study Hawaiian species of violets and algae, endangered by invasive, imported plants. The situation of the native species relates to larger scientific and ecological issues because algae is the basis of the aquatic food chain, and violets adapt in unique ways…

A humanistic-educative evaluation method for nursing education emphasizes collaboration, caring, creativity, critical thinking, and self-assessment. A teacher-student shared home visit in family nursing illustrates the use of the approach for developing self-directed and competent nurses. (Contains 34 references.) (SK)

Survey responses from 58 nursing students and 15 focus group interviews showed that problem-based learning (PBL) improved understanding of multidisciplinary practice and challenged them to work together and tolerate other perspectives. One-third felt learning was hindered by uncertainty over the PBL process and organizational/group issues.…

A postgraduate diploma course for trainers offered by the University of East Asia is a learner-centered process in which participants select their own goals and evaluate their own learning experience. Although participants saw the value of an action learning approach, their learning preference was basically teacher centered and the process met…

Claims, despite extensive research on the role of feedback in learning, there is little theoretical understanding of the concept of feedback, because of overly broad definitions which favor certain explanations and lines of research over others. Discusses implications of feedback research for group facilitation and design of experiential learning…

Premature academic instruction may undermine a child's learning tendencies or dispositions. Informal small-group interaction can strengthen dispositions and set the context for acquisition of knowledge, skills, and feelings. Teachers should focus on learning goals rather than performance goals. (SH)

The article discusses principles of speech/language intervention that impose organization within naturalistic interactions. The general structure of the intervention process is presented including strategies to control for activity and response complexity, techniques for facilitating a communicative response, and methods for providing natural…

Explains how the author's experiences with Native people's ways and music had a powerful linkage to his own musical composition in that these cultural experiences acted as a catalyst to action and subsequent self-knowledge. Compares this learning process to that found in higher education. (SV)

Discusses how the language improvement components of teacher training programs are often taken for granted. It is concluded that language improvement, if integrated with a methodology component, can have a central role in in-service teacher training. (Author/VWL)

Lists 193 class projects proposed by teachers participating in Foxfire courses and workshops, 1985-88. Cites grade level, project description, product, audience, teacher, and school. Organized by grade level and subject. (SV)

Offers an overview of school related practical learning projects. Describes the format, the forms of activity, the topics, the institutional contexts of approximately 100 projects, and some special projects aimed at broadening the work of the schools. (GEA)

More adults are enrolling in colleges and universities using prior experience to earn college credits. Supporters say the portfolio programs are rigorous and encourage pursuit of degrees. Critics say the practice dilutes the significance of a college degree, and students do not study the theories behind concepts or question their own assumptions.…

Describes some recent science education developments that might make scientific literacy a reachable goal for all students, not just the academically elite. Instead of inculcating "factoids," educators must stress depth over breadth, link concepts to instructional themes, and engage students through direct experiences and cooperative learning.…

The authors describe a simulation program based on a workshop approach designed for postsecondary business students. Features and benefits of the workshop technique are discussed. The authors cover practical aspects of designing and implementing simulation workshops. (CH)