While professional development is a requirement for all educators, many teachers have a negative opinion of PD. Districts have attempted to use professional learning communities and the presence of instructional coaches as an answer to the concerns of irrelevant professional development. This study examined educators' opinions of an opt-in…

Adventurous activities are established as an integral aspect of The National Curriculum for 5-16-year-olds. Securing a place in the curriculum provides adventurous activities with an unparalleled opportunity to reach more pupils than any other form of delivery during these formative years. However, little consideration has been given to…

Using consensual qualitative research methods, this qualitative study explored how nine recent graduates, all graduating within the past 7 years from an overtly social justice-oriented school psychology program, were experiencing social justice in practice. Semistructured interviews were conducted covering the following three theme areas: defining…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework of reflection that opens the way to a fuller understanding of what is meant by learning to be enterprising in schools, particularly during the basic schooling of students (at both the primary and secondary levels). Working from Dewey's philosophy of experience, the paper advances a new…

A decision model is presented to help teachers intervene when severely disabled students fail to respond to relevant cues in the community. Five phases are addressed, including identifying those errors and deciding whether to allow a natural correction to occur. (CL)

Provides a historical overview of the progressive education movement, noting its major philosophical threads. Contrasts the progressive ideal with modern experiential education practice by comparing James Coleman's four-phase model of experiential process with John Dewey's scientific method of inquiry, which he used to shape experience. (SB)

The integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content (STEM) has become a mainstream topic within educational systems. This paper discusses the technology integration model for education and the factors to be considered when taking into account technology education as a focal point of integrated curricula. These factors are:…

Describes a technique called Structural Communication (S. C.) which organizes the learning process, as well as the facts and concepts which are to be taught. An S.C. study unit on revolution is provided. (Author/DB)

Presents a model of an environmental studies course that reflects a spaceship earth philosophy. Includes a rationale and a listing of concepts and processes for this action oriented program. Suggests several interdisciplinary experiences that emphasize problem-solving and decision-making skills. (ML)

Proposing a scale of experientiality which can be used to scale learning events according to degree of experientiality potential, this article presents each of the scale's five modes (receptive, analytic, productive, developmental and personal growth) which encompass qualities of the scale's predecessors and add a further dimension of quality. (DS)

A project to develop science curricula for high-ability learners in grades K-8 reviewed curriculum materials and developed criteria for assessing curriculum materials, science concept papers, a scope and sequence model, and exemplary curriculum units. The curriculum centered on the role of students as investigators. Implications of the project are…

Uses marshmallows to teach students about atomic structure by having students make models of atoms out of marshmallows. Allows for creativity while enhancing students' understanding of atoms. (ASK)

Constructivism is a theory about knowledge, whereas reflective practice is a professional development strategy with roots in the constructivist paradigm. A way to integrate these two conceptual frameworks within the context of professional development for prospective administrators is offered here. Constructivism and reflective practice share…

Mathematics learning and practice in school and out of school differ in some significant ways which are explained by the fact that: (1) problem in everyday situations are embedded in real contexts that are meaningful to the problem solver; and (2) the mathematics used outside school is a tool in the service of some broader goal. This paper…

This study argues that environmental problems occur because people decide to act in their world in ways harmful to it and to themselves. Such decisions occur because people are in some cases ignorant of the consequences of their choices for themselves and their environment. They are not aware of the alternatives open to them because they have…