Describes the demonstration of DYASIM, a program that performs various statistical computations to assess the degree of similarity of dyadic data, in classroom settings to illustrate the conceptual difficulties associated with measuring dyadic similarity. Presents the demonstration within the context of the similarity-complimentarity debate on…

Describes the "Running for Elected Office" simulation that enables undergraduates to gain knowledge of the campaign process. Students assume the roles of candidates, staffers, or journalists undertaking a ten-week campaign. Discusses the general structure of weekly events, special events, student evaluation of the simulation, problems, and the…

Experiential learning research and service learning research are both fairly rudimentary. Researchers in both fields should collaborate to make greater progress toward answering various shared questions (e.g., how field-based experience shapes and is shaped by classroom learning, what pedagogical strategies best foster learning, and how both forms…

Presents an activity that teaches macroscopic bone anatomy, muscle anatomy, and the creation of movement through model building that encourages cooperative learning and inquiry. (ASK)

Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning was evaluated through a demographic survey of 1,011 student participants and pre/posttest scores from 93. Community college students showed significant gains in communication skills, high school students in business knowledge. Community college students had greater gains than high school students in…

Describes the origins and evolution of a framework for leadership and management development in Scottish schools. The design of this competence framework is underpinned by a professional-development model supporting experiential learning and critical reflection. Calls for a synthesis of various approaches to management development based on a…

Describes an adventure-therapy program run by Woodswomen in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Corrections, designed to help women offenders learn new skills and ways of being that will help them stay out of jail. Discusses leadership considerations, a parallel program for their children, and the application of risk-taking skills for…

Reports on a study designed to measure changes in students' science proficiency produced by a multimedia learning environment. Describes the inquiry-based design of Astronomy Village, which supports middle school students in learning fundamental concepts in life, earth, and physical sciences. Results indicate sizable treatment effects for two…

Explains that a multi-dimensional approach is an experiential approach that tries to help second language learners experience literature in the same way they experience it in their native language. Gives specific examples of experiential reading tasks and highlights pragmatic awareness activities and cultural awareness activities. (Author/VWL)

Describes the course "The World According to Microbes" which puts science, mathematics, engineering, and technology majors into teams of students charged with problem solving activities that are microbial in origin. Describes the development of learning activities that utilize key components of cooperative learning including positive…

Examines whether short-term experiential learning reduces the drawbacks that may prevent instructors from using this technique. Considers the benefits and drawbacks of experiential learning. Explores instructor and student perspectives on three types of short-term exercises: (1) observations; (2) participant-observations; and (3) field trips. (CMK)

Describes a course on social inequality that utilizes service learning. Expounds that the writing intensive focus enables students to reflect on their service learning experience, integrate the experience with course work, and relate the experience to their lives. Finds that service learning fosters the students' sense of empathy and…

Describes the Chicago Field Studies Program (Illinois) and its success in teaching social theory to students engaged in participant-observation. Explains how to integrate participant-observation into introductory sociology courses as a way to foster students' understanding of social theory using the students' personal experiences. (CMK)

Examines from three perspectives (that of students, clients, and professors) the strengths and weaknesses of using actual clients in student projects for undergraduate public relations campaigns courses. Finds: students appreciated using actual clients; teachers felt the extra effort was worthwhile; and clients valued their experiences working…

Believes structured playtime that occurs in a well-designed play center can provide rich opportunities for young children to construct knowledge related to both social studies and literacy. Expounds how elementary teachers can create an integrated play center by collaborating with their students on the design, implementation, and response to the…