Informal outdoor education refers to the use of voluntary outdoor activities and experiences to promote personal growth and mutual aid among the clients of youth programs and other human services agencies. Discusses the unique benefits of outdoor education, client recruitment through outreach, links with home, and the aim of increasing client…

The connections between college student self-evaluation and student development are examined, and it is proposed that such self-evaluation may actively encourage specific aspects of cognitive, psychological, and social development and help the student integrate the experience. (MSE)

Discusses technological change and reviews recent research on or forecasts about how computer-based technologies affect the environments in which the individual functions. Topics addressed include the individual's need for social experience; influences on the individual's work life; and citizenship, including control over information and…

Discusses the effects of mastery learning and criterion-referenced grading schemes on student memory and motivation to succeed. Indicates that such programs are effective in college level developmental education programs. Provides suggestions for establishing criterion-referenced grading schemes, including several variants of mastery grading…

The Universite de Montreal offers programs of cultural enrichment and personal development to the community. Les Belles Soirees are very successful as outreach and public relations vehicles; they provide continuing education for professionals and serve faculty as a testing ground for new ideas. (SK)

Individual differences and the late development of exceptional ability in some individuals are considered. The late development of some great achievers is mentioned, and areas of development to emphasize in young students are noted. Ways to enhance learning and match education to needs are considered, with attention to the United Kingdom'…

This article describes the design and implementation, within a culturally sensitive context, of a multiservice, community-based counseling intervention aimed at promoting personal and career development of urban, African American youth. Components of this program can be adapted in planning future developmental interventions with this particular…

A behavior specialist working in a class for students identified as severely emotionally disturbed shares the dialog journal writing of an eighth-grade male student and notes the boy's self-evaluation regarding his special education label, his searching questions, his relationship to others, his growing self-esteem as a writer, and his family…

The evolution and role of the Radcliffe Institute for Independent Study, founded to provide year-long, part-time fellowships for women doctorates wishing to pursue independent scholarly or creative projects, are described. The program, which encourages applications from mothers whose intellectual work had been put on hold, is seen as one of the…

Residential, challenging, learning experiences can provide a powerful and essential education in environmental values and interpersonal relationships. Presents a basic-needs planning guide for residential adventure programs that considers the need for water, air, food, clothing, accommodation, waste disposal, health, energy, resources, love of…

Considers the wilderness environment as "sacred space," a place pervaded by a sense of power, mystery, and awesomeness that when visited with "full respect and a clean spirit" can lead to positive empowerment. Suggests that a key objective for outdoor programs should be teaching about nature and conservation. Describes positive…

Problem solving in adventure programs contains physical, social, philosophical, and transcendent (insightful) elements. Through transcendent experiences students reach a high level of performance, tolerance, and understanding. Instructors often attempt to facilitate transcendent experiences through such activities as the Native American…

Camp staff can remove prejudices from camp by acknowledging their own personal biases, understanding and accepting diversity, developing a deep understanding of existing differences, and internalizing changed beliefs. Camps should strive to be multicultural organizations that reflect the contributions and interests of diverse cultural and social…

The 1994 Kurt Hahn Award recipient and president of the American Youth Foundation discusses essential elements for personal and systemic change, including creativity (which provides energy and direction), character (which defines who we are), and commitment (which requires accountability), all of which enable individuals and organizations to…

Suggests ways to enhance the processing of adventure-based experiences by making participants aware of their responses when they reach the edge of their own comfort zone. Participants can use this information to generalize the learning experience to home, school, and office situations. (LP)