Although students rely on social solidarity in their everyday lives, they generally fail to acknowledge its existence. An active learning class exercise, conducted within approximately 35 minutes, introduces sociology students to Emile Durkheim's concept of solidarity and the distinction between its mechanical and organic forms. Some groups of…

The author has established a tradition of putting together a "stick bundle" that symbolizes the community in her Montessori Early Childhood classroom. In the first month of the school year, each member of the classroom finds a stick from the outdoor playground area and brings it back into the classroom. This article presents how the…

Background: Modern Western societies are comprised of social and cultural diversity. As such, it is important that young people develop an awareness and appreciation of different cultures. Physical education (PE) and sport are often considered spaces where intercultural competence and social cohesion can be addressed through motor, social,…

This article illustrates how "global/local" community engagement, a particular form of experiential learning and political work that draws upon geography conceptually, pedagogically, and programmatically, is well suited to advance integrative learning and invite students into social action. Through specific examples from Mount Holyoke…

What does it mean to teach virtue, or to learn it? We consider this question through an institutional review board (IRB) supported research study attending to student learning experiences in undergraduate ethics courses at a Catholic university with an explicit commitment to social justice. This essay draws on and interprets qualitative data…

There is no doubt that pair/group work is an integral part of language learning because it not only provides a unique opportunity for students to improve an array of skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, but also enables them to experience a diversity of personalities and perspectives. Frequent exposure to a wide range of…

This case tells the story of a failed public-private partnership. It illustrates how stakeholders, encouraged by the current political context, rushed into a partnership without establishing a basis for mutual understanding and expectations. As a result of this hasty arrangement, questions emerged over who ultimately controlled decisions related…

The study buddy is a learning strategy employed in a graduate distance course to promote informal peer reviewing of assignments before submission. This strategy promotes student-student interaction and helps break the social isolation of distance learning. Given the concern by Arum and Roksa (2011) that student-student interaction may be…

This study investigated facets of the teaching and learning environment which motivate student learning. Interviews were conducted with 36 students from nine representative undergraduate degree programs in Hong Kong. The interviewees were asked to describe teaching approaches and learning activities typical of their program. They were asked about…

Cash games are simulation activities which feature real cash prizes and explore interpersonal skills and concepts. EASY MONEY is one such game, featuring an investment activity which focuses on trust among team members in ambiguous decision-making situations. Directions for administering the game and suggestions for applying a standard six-phase…

Describes a study conducted with a seventh-grade Future Problem Solving (FTS) class in which students work in teams of four to solve problems related to futuristic issues. As a result of increased competitiveness and poor emotional climate in the class, activities designed to promote a more congenial, less competitive classroom atmosphere were…