Guidelines for the integration of effective and efficient practice into the lecture format of higher education curricula are outlined and discussed. An algorithm for incorporating active learning into lecture courses is provided, with examples and discussion of possible constraints. (four references) (EA)

An action research project investigating the Assessment of Prior Experiential Learning at the University of Kent found difficulties in reconciling student needs with pressure to concentrate on experiences relevant to higher education. There was also tension between student needs and institutional requirements for the format of portfolios. (SK)

Evaluation of 80 outdoor-based training programs showed (1) improvement in overall work group functioning; (2) no significant changes in individual behavior; (3) different effects for intact versus nonintact work groups, voluntary participation, gender composition, and supervisor presence; and (4) impact of facilitator training on group…

Describes an English teacher's struggle to improve her writing instruction by improving her own writing process, incorporating a commentary or reflection step. The teacher used journal writing with her high school students to help them reflect upon their writing of short stories. (KS)

Presents the benefits of internships for college students, types of internships available, how to obtain an internship, and sources of more information. (SK)

Informal and incidental learning are based on learning from experience, embedded in organizational context, focused on action, governed by nonroutine conditions, concerned with tacit dimensions, delimited by the nature of the task, and enhanced by proactivity, critical reflection, and creativity. (SK)

The whole-language movement is challenging educators to reconsider their early childhood programs and assumptions about children and learning. This article explores four promises of whole-language philosophy central to early childhood education (language, active learning, play, and home-school relationships), and explores some program…

Provides tips for planning a field trip. Includes the following sections: (1) Defining the field trip; (2) Role of the instructor; (3) Preparing students for the field trip; (4) Allocating time; (5) Transportation; (6) Keeping students involved; (7) Division of labor; (8) Equipment; (9) Behavioral rules; (10) Medical emergencies; and (11) Special…

Notes that experiential training in on-campus clinics is important component of professional preparation for counselors and psychologists. Explores similarities between counseling and psychology training clinics. Synthesizes findings from literature and identifies areas that offer most potential for informing counselor educators in development,…

College students (n=72) who participated in a community service laboratory showed significant increase in belief that people can make a difference, that they should be involved in community service and particularly in leadership and political influence, and in their commitment to perform volunteer service the following semester. Students became…

Examines philosophies, methods, and objectives shared by experiential education and feminist pedagogy. Focuses on the explicit analysis of power in the teacher-student relationship, the value of personal experience as a valid form of knowledge, and the goal of social justice. Recommends eight strategies to infuse a more feminist way of teaching…

The first part of the process model for experiential learning (EL) includes student characteristics and needs (role of experience and prior knowledge, different learning processes, active involvement, affiliation needs, life context) and conceptual foundations of EL (definitions of knowledge, elements of cognition, constructivist teaching,…

The first step in portfolio construction is building a folio--accumulation of all possible materials documenting a person's learning. Materials may include artifacts created by the learner and attestations from other people and organizations. (SK)

A portfolio is a carefully edited collection of artifacts and attestations selected from a folio. It serves as a documented history of learning and a structured record of accomplishment. It may be used for self-evaluation, for progress assessment in adult education, or as a vehicle for engaging learners in active reflection on experience. (SK)

As school systems face more budget cuts, elaborate field trips are being axed. A Virginia middle school experimented with an overnight lockout in the school gym. Since seventh graders were already grouped into four heterogeneous teams for a pilot instructional program, these groups were maintained during the "gymboree." Each student wore…