The effects of cooperative versus individualistic learning experience were compared on interethnic interaction among fourth-grade students. Results indicated that cooperative learning experiences promote more cross-ethnic interaction in both instructional and free-time activities. (Author/GK)

Describes a pilot project in 4-H Community Development which tested six different kinds of activities in which teenagers took responsible roles in their communities. A local government intern project and an extension sponsorship of Youth Conservation Corps were judged most promising based on learning opportunities provided. (Author/CT)

All too often the artist is thought of as a strange mythical creature, to be looked at with a combination of romanticized awe and cynical apprehension. Attempts to clarify that viewpoint by interviewing professional artists about their educational preparation, its effectiveness and its limitations in their development as artists. (Author/RK)

Describes efforts to develop a humanistic, interdisciplinary program designed to "educate the whole teacher to educate the whole child". (Editor)

Outlines an investigation into the types of learning experienced by adolescents involved in recreational youth theater. Proposes that youth theater has the capacity to provide essential rites of passage for young people. Concludes that drama has the potential to be a creator of consciousness during adolescence. (PM)

Despite teachers' most valiant efforts, the taught and the experienced curricula are not always the same. Most tests are inappropriate measures of the experienced curriculum. A Vermont elementary school has been assembling classroom activity data to help educators understand how children process the curriculum. Helpful assessment activities are…

Two groups of students were taken on the same canoe trip and overnight outing. The unpleasant experience of the first group taught the leaders some important lessons about briefing, organizing access, checking gear, and preparedness in general that were used to make the second outing a success. (TD)

Investigates differences in learning styles between men and women. Seventy-two people of different ethnic groups responded to the Learning Style Inventory (D. A. Kolb, 1976), 12 Educational Dialectical questions, and 1 question concerning learning experiences. Findings reveal that men appear to find congruence between traditional education and…

Performance technology and instructional design are affected by the philosophical approaches of learners and teachers. The theories of constructivism (reality is constructed by individuals) and objectivism (reality is external but accessible to individuals) lead to different understandings of human cognition and affect both instructional design…

Reflects on the lessons of one life, a life lived to the fullest, to illustrate a philosophy of life experiences and learning. Discusses the importance of the quality of interpersonal relationships to student success, focusing on the theme of respecting children and taking them seriously. (SV)

Questions the theoretical assumption that experiential learning informs in fixed ways for everyone. Suggests a critical look at where we get our theoretical information, as well as at the social parameters that explain reality. Focuses on two aspects of experiential learning not adequately addressed in theory: the embodied location of experience…

Examines approaches which have been successful in creating a humorous atmosphere in a Montessori class for 2- and 3-year olds, and reviews research findings with various ages and cross-cultural comparisons that contribute to an understanding of the role of humor in children's natural development. (Author)

Examined the relation of positive affect to attention and learning in 5-, 7-, and 9-month olds. Found that at all ages positive affect was associated with long look durations and slower learning. Neutral affect was associated with short looks and faster learning. Learning was faster than expected for infants displaying both short looks and neutral…

Two studies assessed whether: (1) high levels of task-relevant metacognition would be related to good task performance; (2) some kinds of feedback (e.g., explanations) would improve task-relevant metacognition (and hence, performance) more than other kinds of feedback; and (3) some kinds of people would be more likely to seek out and use this…

To improve student understanding of protein structure and the significance of noncovalent interactions in protein structure and function, students are assigned a project to write a paper complemented with computer-generated images. The assignment provides an opportunity for students to select a protein structure that is of interest and detail…