Eight articles in this this theme issue explore aspects of supervised occupational experience (SOE) in agriculture: definitions, new directions, the value of SOE, experiential learning, the science of agriculture, production agriculture, hydroponic technology, and Future Farmers of America proficiency awards. (SK)

Proposes domestic pests as ideal material for ecological studies to provide readily accessible and relatively simple communities. Describes the booklouse and a number of other suitable species. Suggests the use of the students' own homes as habitats to investigate and for use in teaching the principles of population dynamics. (RT)

Overseas travel-study programs can be rewarding experiences for students and teachers, but consideration must be given to the sponsoring organizations' credibility and liability. Because of liability problems, the number and type of educational travel opportunities are increasing, while the number of schools sponsoring overseas programs is…

Argues that the most important component in effective bibliographic instruction is the learning styles of students. The discussion examines learning styles, in general, and Kolb's theory of experiential learning, in particular. The use of Kolb's theory in a freshman library instruction program is described and evaluated. (10 references) (CLB)

Rhythmic groups of cyclical movements--action cycles--were identified during interactions between adults and subjects (12 children, aged 8-18, and 6 young adults with profound mental handicap). Subjects performed similar actions for apparently similar reasons at similar rates to their caregivers, giving strong indication of a biologically robust…

Described is a third-grade science unit using feathers. Children use the feathers to learn about measurement, observation, and inference. Procedures and results are discussed. (CW)

Investigates the use of personal computer (PC) programs to help participants in simulation exercises transform their experiences into knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Six programs developed at Queensland Institute of Technology are described that involve operations management, strategic management, and macroeconomics. Examples of spreadsheets are…

A new science program for elementary schools (developed by the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study) emphasizes concrete experiences, providing students with opportunities to observe phenomena, record their observations, and discuss them with other students. Cooperative learning is a primary program component because it enhances children's ability…

During the spring semester of 1987 a mathematician and a physicist from Oberlin College went with 21 undergraduates to London to use the resources of England as the basis for a course. The course is described, with emphasis on its experimental, experiential nature. (Author/MLW)

Presents a model for facilitators of adventure-education group initiatives, group problem-solving tasks requiring cooperation and trust. Discusses initial observation and assessment of individual and group behaviors, setting objectives, preparation, group orientation, structuring the task toward objectives, implementation, guided reflection,…

Describes an undergraduate course taught at the University of Dubuque (Iowa) that examines the political economy of urban development in a historical frame of analysis and emphasizes experiential learning. Traces the conception, design, and delivery of this course. Offers results of an evaluation by those who contributed to the course. (KO)

Describes "Architecture and Children," a traveling exhibition which visually involves children in architectural principles and historic styles. States that it teaches children about architecture, and through architecture it instills the basis for aesthetic judgment. Argues that "children learn best by concrete examples of ideas, not…

Outlines a three-day unit for presenting biotechnology. States that the approach surveys the processes of enzyme restriction, ligation, transformations of recombinant plasmids, and gel electrophoresis. Diagrams accompany the article. (RT)

Examines students' frequent failure to write meaningful essays in light of their inability to use personal experience as a basis for their writing. Compares the processes of writing and experiential learning. Suggests ways of transforming writing assignments into learning experiences. (DMM)

Integrated programs need evaluation designs that fit with their curricular and instructional designs. Student evaluations for integrated programs should incorporate three characteristics: evaluation should be developed out of local needs; the means developed should be perceived as intrinsically worthwhile activities; and evaluations should center…