Examines the learning opportunities students have related to the democratic purposes of schooling in eighth, ninth, and tenth grade social studies classrooms. Explains five frameworks identified for linking curricular strategies to the preparation of citizens and the rubrics used to code observations in Chicago (Illinois) social studies classrooms…

Addresses the use of children's literature within the social studies classroom on the topic of memory boxes. Includes discussions of four books: (1) "The Littlest Angel" (Charles Tazewell); (2) "The Hundred Penny Box" (Sharon Bell Mathis); (3) "Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge" (Mem Fox); and (4) "The Memory Box" (Mary Bahr). (CMK)

Offers constructive suggestions to social studies teachers on specific ways to present social studies content. Contends that educators must develop strategies based upon student needs--strategies that help teachers link students to the people, places, and things that make up the social studies. (MS)

A strategy for transferring learning from adventure experiences to daily life situations incorporates the use of isomorphs and metaphors. Explains how to develop isomorphic frames and select metaphoric experiences that can be used in adventure programming, especially with clients in therapy. (LP)

Discusses a college fieldtrip experience in Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom, in which an extreme event at an oceanside blowhole nearly resulted in injury or death. Relates this to other dynamic and chaotic situations along coastlines. Recommends sensitization to potential risk factors. One of series discussing incidents in which no injury occurred…

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)

Highlights ideas of Paulo Freire that are relevant to the meaning of democratic teaching. Freire believes that the traditional curriculum leads teachers and students to conform, and he advocates "conscientization" or a democratic approach to teaching in which the learner actively participates in understanding and defining the personal…

Garber and D. Hodge argue that preschool education should not be asked to inoculate children against school failure. It is enough that it supports the experience of learning. H. H. Spitz responds that Locurto has not gone far enough in his criticism, whereas C. Locurto defends his position. (SLD)

Describes a process-oriented model of experiential learning involving critical relationships between learner and self, teacher, and learning environment. Outlines important elements: mixing content, process, and guided reflection; minimal teacher judgment; engagement in purposeful endeavors; the "big picture" perspective; multiple…

Introduces "Teaching with Historic Places," a lesson plan series designed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Park Service. Suggests that teaching with historic places helps students develop an empathetic connection to the past. Explains that students use historic places as primary sources to gather facts and…

Based on the thesis that individual learning and growth are based on actual life experiences, proposes a model in preparation programs for school administrators. Discusses how the inclusion of personal experience helps to bridge a critical gap between professors of school administration and practicing administrators. (13 references) (MLF)

The American Indian teaching tale "Jumping Mouse" is used to illustrate how storytelling can provide a learning experience--the listener's active participation in the storytelling process through emotional engagement and creative imagination, and the resulting change in perspective and clarification of values. (SV)

Promotes the experiential learning benefits of outdoor education. Describes the experiences of students in grades 4-6 who planned, raised funds for, and participated in a field trip that included a visit to the New England Aquarium, a whale watch cruise, and camping on Cape Cod during a tropical storm. (LP)

Middle school students empowered as researchers examined the structure and conditions of their school. They identified problems in the classroom learning environment, care and connection, and valuing of individuals. Their recommendations were used in efforts toward school improvement. (SK)

Examines the effects of different learning experiences on children's thinking about two- and three-dimensional shapes. (ASK)