Nonformal education is compared to formal and informal education and viewed in relation to two explanatory frameworks assessing underdevelopment in Latin America. The frameworks--dependency liberation and deprivation development--also provide direction to nonformal efforts, described as generally weak and ineffective as a primary means of…

The Learning and Technology Policy framework provides direction and coordination of the use of technology in Alberta's learning system. This Framework will inform decisions by establishing a context for assessing trends, issues, best practices, and new initiatives; for ensuring the investment in technology is consistent with the learning system's…

This report summarizes priorities that Ontario teachers assigned to different professional learning activities and the extent to which they had participated in professional learning. Information came from a mailed survey of 599 teachers, randomly selected across the province, in 1999. Teachers read a list of 13 learning activities and rated them…

Concepts at the heart of intercultural communication are addressed in a step-by-step manner and include individualism and collectivism, monochronic and polychronic concepts of time, verbal and nonverbal communication styles, and power distance relationships in the workplace. Cross-cultural dialogues are used as pre- and post-tests to analyze the…

In 1998, as part of a larger national study examining informal learning practices across the general population, Canadian elementary and secondary teachers were surveyed regarding their practices and attitudes related to their own ongoing learning. The 753 respondents described any informal learning experiences in the past year within their…

This theme issue of the journal "Exploring" covers the topic of "memories" and describes an exhibition at San Francisco's Exploratorium that ran from May 22, 1998 through January 1999 and that contained over 40 hands-on exhibits, demonstrations, artworks, images, sounds, smells, and tastes that demonstrated and depicted the biological,…

Briefly summarizes environmental education goals and topics as identified in elementary and secondary education curricula in four Arab states (Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan) and describes environmental education nonformal efforts in Lebanon. (DC)

Proposes a model for conceptualizing changes in novelty experienced by students in informal settings. Presents a case study and discusses patterns of verbal and non-verbal student behavior with reference to the level of novelty experienced. Reports that student behavior was found to vary with changes in the level of novelty experienced. Contains…

Interviews with directors at five Ontario summer camps found that three camps exposed children to stereotypes of Indigenous peoples and to cultural appropriation. This is inconsistent with goals of educating campers about and showing respect for Indigenous cultures. Given the current issues of land-claims and Aboriginal rights, non-Indigenous…

A member of the Canadian Aboriginal women's vocal ensemble Asani describes how the group's songs, words, and performances address and deconstruct Aboriginal stereotypes. These stereotypes include misconceptions of how Aboriginal people should look and dress, the status and accomplishments of Aboriginal women, the extent of their education and…

Reviews the work of Lynn Dierking and John Falk on museum learning. Presents a contextual model for understanding museum experiences and learning. (DDR)

Examined is the historical role of museums in Brazil and their relationship to formal and informal precollege education. A transition to a more active role in education for museums is discussed. (CW)

Environmental education and interpretive facilities in Texas were surveyed to determine how a state education reform bill affected their attendance, management, and programing. Findings indicated that attendance declined during the 12 months following the passage of legislation. Programing and management changes were made to adapt to the bill.…

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…

Presents a problem solving strategy developed by a second grade student that goes beyond modeling an intuitive or informal interpretation of an operation to solve division problems. Concludes that good teaching should build on pupil's existing preinstruction knowledge and recognize a pupil's attempts at creative solutions. (MDH)