Sixth graders at Kamehameha Elementary School ascended a high mountain peak, successfully orienting themselves for over 5 miles using topographical maps and compasses and the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired at school. The article describes the program, noting the knowledge and tools students used to accomplish their goal. (SM)

Discusses how two small children learned important lessons by being allowed to make their own decisions and think their way through situations rather than being told by adults how to handle those situations. The article highlights the importance of discovery learning and the development of self-confidence. (SM)

A Wisconsin school district has strengthened community education by developing animal welfare and entrepreneurial programs. These and other programs are part of School-Connections, a project of the Institute for Responsive Education. Students work with adult advisers on individually tailored projects, gain real-world experience, and make genuine…

Compares action technologies on eight dimensions: purpose, primary focus, theoretical foundations, ideological focus, key strategies, facilitator role, research aim, and validity criteria. The technologies are action learning, action research, action science, popular education, participatory action research, and collaborative inquiry. (SK)

Hands-on archaeology in empty lots of recently razed structures is recommended as part of the curriculum for gifted elementary and secondary students. Guidelines for designing the educational experience include establishing expectations, forming working hypotheses, gridding the site, record keeping, artifact labeling, and producing a site report.…

Discusses the evolution of constructivist learning environments and examines the collaboration of simulated software models, virtual environments, and evolving mental models via immersion in artificial realities. A sidebar gives a realistic example of a student navigating through cyberspace. (JMV)

British high school students (n=120) participated in a management exercise in which teams prepared a marketing contract, drafted a promotional leaflet in French, and gave a marketing presentation to hotel management. The exercise developed teamwork, decision making, and leadership, as well as other skills valued in the workplace: bilingualism,…

Fishing helps campers develop problem-solving skills, apply biological and ecological concepts, become aware of environmental problems, realize environmental consequences of actions, discuss environmental ethics, consider spiritual values, and connect with the natural world. Describes two camps that successfully integrate fishing with…

Explores the importance, rationale, process, and effective use of lesbian, gay, and bisexual speakers' panels as an educational tool to combat homophobia. Successful panels create an atmosphere of emotional safety for panelists and participants. Panels emphasize the sharing of life experiences and facilitate applying the understanding gained to…

Describes the activities of the "Cycling for Recycling" group who cycled across Canada to raise awareness of the environment among school groups and environmental groups. Presents experiential learning activities that promote environmental awareness in school settings. (KS)

The Disney Channel's Teacher of the Year suggests the following ways to motivate students: create an inviting atmosphere, keep it lively, be prepared, use writing assignments, use visual props and rewards, and impart a zest for life and knowledge. (SK)

Forty-seven of 60 participants in 2 sections of Outward Bound completed pre- and posttests and interviews showing differences between the leadership skills intended to be developed, participant perceptions of skill development, and changes measured on the questionnaire. Neither group demonstrated positive changes in the areas where it was…

Results of two studies of women's learning suggest that educators should (1) focus on learners' knowing within their authentic selves; (2) facilitate the construction of knowledge that motivates action; and (3) create a context of relatedness among learners. (SK)

Ways teachers have used insects in and out of the classroom to help nurture children's fascination are discussed. Projects for elementary, secondary, and college classes are described. (CW)