Notions of 'personal and social development' within experiential learning literature remain philosophically underdeveloped, often identified as something like practical wisdom or practical reasoning. Experiential learning practitioners and theorists make frequent claims regarding the 'life-changing' significance for participants; particularly in…

Transition Year is a unique and exciting programme situated in the middle of the six year second level education system in Ireland. Since its introduction in 1974, the programme has experienced unprecedented growth now being offered in over 80% of schools on the island. Transition Year seeks to emphasize alternative learning methodologies…

Trek School is an outdoor school program for any Grade 11 students in Regina, Saskatchewan. During the program, students engage in a series of classroom, outdoor, and experiential activities. The various courses are taught through these experiences. The program is designed to help students develop in the areas of independent learning, critical and…

Summarizes the assessment of four types of experiential education programs (volunteer service, career internships, outdoor adventure, community study/political action) on the psychological, social, and intellectual development of over 1,000 secondary students participating in 27 programs in independent, public, and parochial schools across the…

Describes Aspen School District's (Colorado) outdoor educational program for all students in grades K-12, focusing on the middle school students' experiences in the Outdoor Education Program. Through these experiences, children (grades 5-8) grow in self-worth, abilities, and emotional attachments; they develop a trust level toward other children…

Principal aims of outdoor education at Belper School are to heighten awareness of and foster respect for self, others, and the natural environment. Outdoor education is committed to active learning through experiences that contribute to personal and social development. Running across the school curriculum, outdoor education breaks down subject…

This paper conceptualises a basis for understanding learning in workplaces. This comprises a duality between how access to workplace activities and guidance is afforded, on the one hand, and how workers elect to engage with what is afforded to them, on the other. This reciprocal basis for thinking, acting and learning is referred to as…

Describes the Jefferson County Open High School (Colorado) in suburban Denver, a public alternative secondary school of choice devoted to developing student potential through emphasis on individualization and self-directed learning. Explores the school's programs and describes the educational philosophy which recognizes individual rates of…

This paper examines resiliency and how it can be fostered through experiential programs. Resiliency is defined as the capacity to spring back, rebound, successfully adapt in the face of adversity, and develop social competence despite exposure to severe stress. A summary of research findings concerning resiliency presents the characteristics of…

The purpose of this study was to review and synthesize a diversity of research and classroom activities concerned with experiential elementary education. To make these materials readily available to teachers, a collection of examples of experiential activities, research, and professional writings was organized into four academic subject areas…

Connections between structural-developmental psychology and field experience education are addressed. In addition to summarizing principles of structural-developmental psychology and relevant research findings, a comprehensive view of individual development is related to the philosophical aims of higher education, and developmental and dualistic…

Reprints an April 17, 1989 NEWSWEEK cover story, "How Kids Learn," which maintains that young children learn best in developmentally appropriate programs that promote cognitive, social, and language development; physical activities; feelings of competence and self-esteem; individual rates of growth; parent involvement; and teacher…

This book is an effort to introduce early childhood educators to Vygotsky's perspective, research on young children that has been stimulated by this perspective, and current educational practices emanating from it. The discussion is divided into seven chapters. Chapter 1 provides an overview of Vygotsky's life, the social conditions in which his…

This document contains 60 sample projects that can be used in an experience-based career education (EBCE) program. (Experience-based career education is a type of program in which high school students spend a major portion of their time on learning projects in the community. Activities in EBCE are tailored to individual needs, abilities, learning…

The human relations unit, focusing on the affective domain, is designed for grades pre K-4, but is applicable to junior high grades. Objectives are to help children develop self confidence, self awareness, and social interaction skills. Teaching/learning strategies emphasize interaction among teacher and student, and group communication. A unique…