Emphasizes the concept of experience in experiential-learning situations and discusses learning from experience in professional practice. A reflective practitioner learns from his/her own experience of professional practice in a manner that produces new practice-based knowledge and skills. Discusses reflective practice in an organizational context…

The discovery-learning approach is being used with great success to teach blind persons orientation and mobility in rural environments. The problem-solving ability that accompanies this approach builds the self-confidence essential to independent travel. Discusses using a long cane, talking clock, and distance and environmental cues such as sun,…

Describes a methodology for supporting exploratory learning that attempts to limit learning space, called exploration space, and adequately control the cognitive load learners would face in their exploration process. In Exploration Space Control (ESC) the extent of exploration space is controlled according to domain complexity, but also to…

Teachers can encourage parental involvement and appreciation of studying Spanish through simple homework assignments. This article discusses how students and parents work together to discover the impact of the Spanish-speaking world on their surroundings. (Author)

Through the use of a question notebook, students can practice grammar and develop their vocabulary. This class activity also helps students to begin to write and express their own curiosity. (Author/CK)

Interview with Lilian Katz, one of the foremost authorities on the project approach to learning. Discusses the misconceptions and advantages of the project approach, the teacher's role in project-based work, and the qualities teachers need to insure its success. Gives historical background on the development of the approach, and some common…

Like writing workshops, math and science workshops create flexible environments where students actively learn, share, and explore concepts at their own pace. Format consists of a mini-lesson, an activity period, and reflection. Teacher- and student-directed varieties are explained and compared. (Contains 18 references.) (MLH)

Analyzes the results of an experimental study of a nontraditional style of teaching, a combination of lecture and group discovery methods. Concludes that students in the study performed better than those in traditional sections, their attitudes towards mathematics improved, and they were positive about the instructional approach. (Author/ASK)

Introduces an activity of creating discovery centers that is designed for preservice elementary students using a constructivist approach. Encourages students to find science experiments and hands-on extension activities. (YDS)

Reports on a first-year laboratory sequence known as the Interdisciplinary Laboratory (ID Lab) introduced at Harvey Mudd College. The course seeks to illustrate commonality of investigative methods and laboratory techniques in biology, chemistry, and physics and introduce discipline-specific principles. Provides details of the experiments…

In this article I have addressed the need for change from the traditional, technical skills model of the practicum in teacher-education programs, to a practicum that has a broader educative focus. Following a description of the implementation of a practicum experience with an emphasis on inquiry, I consider data from a three-year study designed…

ZAPs are short, self-contained computer programs that encourage students to experience psychological phenomena in a vivid, self-explanatory way, and that are meant to evoke enthusiasm about psychological topics. ZAPs were designed according to principles that originate from experiential and discovery learning theories. The interactive approach…

This article introduces "medium-based" design -- an approach to creating "exploratory learning environments" using the method of "extending a medium". First, the characteristics of exploratory learning environments and medium-based design are described and grounded in related work. Particular attention is given to "extending a medium" --…

Children are naturally curious, and try to make meaning of the world around them. They love to watch things grow and take note of dramatic changes in science and nature. The authors discuss how one can support children's investigations, as well as their growing capacity to notice and understand growth and change. The authors present some exciting…

This book is a developmental and sequential program of activities designed for grades K-8 to: (1) build a base of awareness, understanding, and skills required for conflict prevention and resolution; (2) give students practice using a variety of strategies for managing and resolving conflict; (3) create opportunities for students to apply those…