Asserts that effective leadership training for chairs needs to be situated in realistic contexts. Encourages development of chair-training programs that incorporate the actual experiences of practitioners. Analyzes the results of a survey that examines chair duties and responsibilities. (VWC)

Gives a pedagogical interpretation of the controversy between Adorno (Theodore) and Benjamin (Walter). Sketches their different conceptions of what constitutes a pedagogical problem and discusses differences between their positions against the background of their shared concern, best described as "experiential poverty." (DSK)

Describes three therapeutic group activities used with adolescents, adults, or families in adventure- and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props needed, instructions, and ideas for post-activity group processing and reflection. Activities involve moving beyond…

States that the Bown house, built in 1879 and overlooking the Oregon Trail, serves as a case study for demonstrating how historical houses can be used to teach about the past. Explains that the house is used as a living laboratory for social studies and describes the six rooms in detail. (CMK)

Highlights the rationale for and outcomes of integrating service learning into two public speaking courses. States that service learning enlarged the classrooms and created a wealth of communication examples and opportunities. Judges the success of this pilot experience on five criteria: community voice, orientation and training, meaningful…

Focuses on knowledge and the use of research in relation to local actors in social situations by analyzing data from ongoing research in Swedish schools. Proposes a theoretical framework for knowledge utilization. Concludes that a teacher's knowledge is mainly personal, specific, and action-oriented concerning its origin, content, and function.…

Since 1936, this Phoenixville (Pennsylvania) school, summer day camp, and day care center for children aged 2-7 has implemented the philosophy that children learn best through play, in a nurturing environment where loving people attend to their physical and emotional needs and their intellectual and artistic growth. Contains a resource list of…

L. B. Sharp's 1930 doctoral dissertation and later research helped establish outdoor education as a valid learning method. He established an outdoor education leadership training camp, and believed that camps should be an integral part of educational facilities. He advocated experiential learning, claiming that children with limited experiences…

Describes a two-day interdisciplinary field trip for a group of 63 ninth graders that was followed up in the classroom with related units in history, art, biology, English, and drama. Describes how the students were challenged to use nature to discover who they were, observing closely and then letting go in order to think and connect. (SR)

Using a sociocultural framework, this article describes the importance of mediated learning and the difference between theoretical and empirical learning for developing scientific literacy. Components of scientific literacy are identified and a conceptual model adapted from ethnomathematics is used to demonstrate effects of theoretical learning on…

Presents tips for organizing and conducting effective science-related field trips. Topics include: Develop a Thematic Approach; Engage Expert Leaders; Provide Important Creature Comforts (transportation and facilities); Supply Useful Learning Materials; Provide Delicious Creature Comforts (food); Create a Comfortable Networking Environment;…

A group of teacher educators discovered that creating root metaphors (for example, teaching = bread making) connected them with the enjoyable and comforting aspects of their profession. Reading one another's metaphors initiated connections, images, ideas, and insights that could be shared with their preservice students. (MLH)

Living history and hands-on interpretation enable educators to capitalize on the curiosity, sensory needs, and creative enthusiasm of young students. However, objective evaluation in terms of measurable outcomes may be difficult. Suggestions are offered for linking curricular needs with personal growth by creating an atmosphere that promotes…

Describes a natural science course designed to teach students that nature is nearby rather than somewhere else. Students learn about local flora and fauna, track the weather, and closely monitor the progression of the seasons. The course uses no textbook, regularly uses the outdoors as a classroom, and follows the seasons' phenology as the…

Describes an adventure program operated on the Qualla Boundary Cherokee reservation that serves Cherokee youth and outside groups interested in Cherokee culture. Aspects of Cherokee culture, such as talking circles and storytelling, are incorporated into the program. A sidebar recounts the story of a bear encounter that is used to begin many…