This article compares progressive conceptions of childhood in the educational philosophies of John Locke and John Dewey. Although the lives of the two philosophers were separated by an ocean and two centuries of history, they had in common the following things: (1) a relatively high level of experience working with, and observing, children that is…

Most people can recall a time when they learned a skill or came to understand an idea while participating in an experience: learning in such a way that the action being taken and the resulting learning outcomes were synonymous. Time spent in hands-on efforts tend to engage learners physically and emotionally in both the process of learning and the…

This article is concerned with "commonsense science knowledge", the informally gained knowledge of the natural world that students possess prior to formal instruction in a scientific discipline. Although commonsense science has been the focus of substantial study for more than two decades, there are still profound disagreements about its nature…

Debunks brain/education myths. The term "brain-based education" is redundant; learning is the brain's function. More brain cell connections do not equal more learning. There is no "critical period" for developing human brain capacity. All learning is emotional, and learning never ends. Tips for high-school teachers are…

Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound helps teachers guide students through learning expeditions, where they explore topics through their own questions and self-designed investigations. Although some programs involve overnight trips, not all expeditions are wilderness adventures. Regardless of setting, children should experience challenge and…

This report summarizes the research and results of the Evaluation of Experiential Learning Project, undertaken to (1) assess the impact of experiential learning programs on the social, psychological, and intellectual development of secondary school students; and (2) use these data to identify those program variables most effective in facilitating…