In a survey of 517 8th- and 12th-grade students in Waterloo County (Ontario) schools, the majority of students who had attended outdoor and environmental education programs reported high levels of learning in key areas of ecology and environmental studies. In addition, most respondents reported feeling positive about the program and their…

Argues that children's perceptions of the natural world are linked with imagination development and experiential learning. Describes children's learning as sensory-oriented. Advocates fostering a love of nature, arguing that access to natural places and natural play activities both encourage a connection with the earth and contribute to children's…

Examines a cross-section of craft knowledge and research-based literature of science learning beyond the classroom. Describes informal science education programs, and discusses implications for science teaching, focusing on the importance of informal science learning for children and in-service and preservice teachers. Proposes a model for…

Examines the early childhood and primary learning environments and developmentally appropriate practices in light of the findings of brain research in the mid to late 1990s. Focuses on how the brain works, creating the optimal learning environment, developing classroom learning centers, and presenting meaningful learning experiences. Identifies…

Describes the introduction of the Patchwork Text format into the dissertation on a Master's degree in Social Work. Discusses the rationale for rethinking the conventional dissertation and the "patches" making up the revised dissertation format. Draws upon completed dissertations of two students on the program to illustrate how the characteristics…

Investigated diversity in the classroom, student background and learning experiences, and perceptions about the relationship between foreign language learning and issues of race, gender, class, and social justice among university students studying Spanish, Japanese, and Swahili. Found more racial diversity in Japanese and Swahili classes and in…

Analyzes a collaborative activity, both as a traditional classroom event and as a collaborative event. Finds that, even when the activity is explicitly collaborative and students are experienced collaborators, patterns of traditional classroom discourse dominate their communicative choices. (MG)

Presents a step-by-step approach designed to help early childhood teachers learn to use materials in interest areas to facilitate children's development. (BB)

Recommends exposure to and interaction with classroom visitors to influence children's views of themselves, learning, and school. Illustrates the effects of a visiting poet and a visit to a butterfly farm on children who have lost confidence in their abilities to read and write. Emphasizes the value of providing opportunities to respond to real…

Describes a study of the literacy and numeracy experiences of two- and three-year olds from disadvantaged homes, as they occurred in Scottish day nursery schools. Found that numeracy experiences occurred less frequently than literacy experiences. Variation between the nurseries showed consistent patterns between variables relating to staff…

A graduate student in environmental education reflects on her experiences traveling throughout the United States on a converted school bus with 20 other people in an effort to gain insight into social issues and problems. This experience helped her realize how listening to others, respecting their opinions, and discovering common goals promotes…

Presents five teachers' narratives about their learning experiences during sabbatical leaves funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities/Reader's Digest Teacher-Scholars program. Stresses insights to be incorporated into their teaching methods in English and Black literature, children's literature, Chinese culture, and the history of the…

Teachers at a rural elementary school slated for consolidation, worked with teacher education students during a full-day teaching experience that resulted in both classroom teachers and university students expanding their understanding of the teaching culture. The benefits of this experience included easing teacher transition to a new school…

Examined the home and school numeracy experiences of young Somali children living in the United Kingdom. Results indicated that the home numeracy experience was in a more formal setting than the majority of school learning experiences. Explored cultural conflicts and recommended that teachers take into account children's home learning experiences.…

Presents four articles on the use of computer technology with young children: "Computers for Infants and Young Children" (David Elkind); "Using Technology to Enhance Early Learning Experiences" (Kirsten Haugen); "Creative Use of Technology with School-Agers" (Ina Lynn McClain); and "Evaluating and Selecting Software for Children" (Charles…