Study of a construction contractor modernizing production showed that creation of an effective learning mood was more likely in a supportive environment in which people explore their actions as they work ("pull learning"). However, an external change agent ("push learning") was useful in provoking the reflection that triggered workplace learning.…

Experiential education is an interdisciplinary field that draws on philosophy, psychology, sociology, anthropology, cognitive science, and research on education reform. Presents a conceptual framework that addresses what experiential education is, pedagogical principles, the nature of student experience, teacher role, and the learning environment.…

Compared language development of 16 firstborn and 16 secondborn children at 21 months to investigate whether secondborn children benefit from overheard conversations between caregivers and older siblings. Found that secondborn children were more advanced that firstborn in pronoun production, while not differing general language development,…

Gives an overview of the concept of reflective practice; describes educational strategies to facilitate it; and elaborates the functions of collaboration, dialog, and action research in reflective practice. Stresses the value of cooperative education as experiential learning that links theory and practice through reflection. (SK)

Hands-on math must also involve students' minds in creative thinking. Math manipulatives must be used for uncovering, not just discovering. This paper presents guidelines for planning hands-on, minds-on math for elementary students. Suggestions include dialoging, questioning, integrating manipulatives and other tools, writing, and evaluating. (SM)

Camping in Malaysia, New Zealand, England, Brazil, and the United States is compared. The basic function of camp, providing a safe place for fun and discovery, seems universal. Differences discussed include camping seasons, family participation, recreational versus educational emphasis, the competitive nature of for-profit camps, and risk…

Synthesizes literature on apprenticeship learning, the sociology of science, and K-12 science education to develop a set of characteristics for designing/evaluating participatory science learning experiences. Clarifies and illuminates the value of these characteristics for science educators by using them as evaluative criteria for characterizing…

Describes a science festival on human body systems and physical sciences for middle school students. Introduces the exhibits and the procedures. (YDS)

The Delaware (Ohio) School District developed a technology center where teachers could expose students to different kinds of technology, problem solving, and career exploration. Modules and hands-on experiences reflect the national technology education standards. (SK)

Demonstrates how teachers can make instruction more meaningful by linking new subject matter to students' previous experiences and by using community resources to create exciting new learning experiences. If the content is rigorous and relevant, debates, storytelling, the arts, graphic organizers, and mnemonics can dramatically enhance student…

Discusses a Christian adventure program that uses quotations and stories from the New Testament to tie group experiences to Christian teachings about loving one's neighbor, taking risks, working together, respect, actions in a crisis, unselfishness, contemplation, reflection and prayer, and forgiveness. Emphasizes the experiential teachings of…

Describes Boundless Adventures, a Canadian outdoor adventure program that offers 5-day trips to clients with mental-health problems. Suggests that the trips inspire hope, but that follow-up is needed to convert that hope into real lifestyle changes. Sidebars present a poem entitled "Hope" and describe the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry…

Discusses the nature and aims of place-based pedagogies, which root the learning experience in the location of the learner. Briefly describes examples of placed-based education at the elementary and postsecondary levels. Outlines some questions related to educating students for ecological and cultural sustainability. Contains 18 references. (SV)

Describes a science teacher's personal experiences at an Earthwatch summer workshop in Costa Rica on caterpillars and their predators in the dry tropical forest. (YDS)

Exposing today's students to a balance of science and the outside world is critical. The outdoors provides a context for practical applications of science, exposing the relevance of science to everyday life. Outdoor education instills an awareness that the health of the environment is directly coupled with our own health, enabling us to make…