Evaluation of nontraditional educational programs and individual achievement is discussed in terms of three components: process-environment, objectives, and evaluation. The combinations of these components in traditional and nontraditional orientations are each presented and examined as possible models for measurement of educational outcomes. (JMF)

Monitoring educational change is seen as a critical problem for regional accrediting commissions. The response by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association to the problem is described, and procedures to validate educational quality in off-campus programs and sequential evaluation are discussed. (MLW)

The Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Off-Campus Network of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) is described as a model for providing student services for off-campus programs for 15 study centers located throughout Australia. (JMF)

Experiential learning and experiential education are defined and compared to classroom-based learning. Scandinavian Seminar, an American-Scandinavian organization with a one-year independent living and learning program, is described. The process of second-language learning, cultural immersion, and attitudes in language learning are discussed. (MLW)

Describes a fall 1994 survey of North Carolina pharmacists to determine the level of interest in an external doctor of pharmacy degree program, examine reasons for that interest, and evaluate program designs. Among 917 respondents, 389 showed interest in a part-time program; 173 indicated interest in a later program; 355 had no interest. Increased…

Two interviews with Akira, a 7-year-old student, describe life at a Japanese residential free school. Modeled after the Summerhill School, the main components are voluntary lessons, self-government through weekly schoolwide meetings and smaller dormitory meetings, and extensive experiential learning through project work. Akira likes Kinokuni…

Profiles an attempt at adult residential education known as the Woodbrookers' movement in the Netherlands from 1903-1941. Imported from England, the Woodbrookers' emphasized the precepts of Christian Socialism taught through weekend meetings and summer schools. Discusses the relationship between this movement and the Scandinavian folk high…

Describes the development and implementation of an interdisciplinary field course in Costa Rica focused on sustainable development. The semester-long curriculum integrated sociology, political economy, and agricultural ecology. The curriculum was empirically based and involved faculty members and students working collaboratively on different…

This article describes the development of a one-semester science seminar course for high school juniors and seniors in a suburban/rural Pennsylvania school district. It addresses scheduling considerations and planning activities, the role of the teacher in the seminar approach, use of community resources and guest speakers, standards and…

Reports on the procedures, standards, and topics involved in the 1997 National History Day. National History Day is a year-long contest where students research primary sources and prepare papers, projects, performances, and media based on a historical theme. The 1997 theme is "Triumph and Tragedy in History." (MJP)

Based on classroom observation, interviews, and student and teacher surveys, this study examined student interaction and participation within a computer-mediated communication (CMC) environment in a college-level plant science lab course. The CMC discourse encouraged experimentation, sharing of early ideas, increased and more distributed…

Survey of 22 rural Australian youth, aged 12-18 and not attending school or work, found that youth were strongly motivated towards creative, practical, and life skills learning. Describes a model of the phenomenon of "street kids" at the intersection of youth unemployment, homelessness, and truancy. Recommends establishment of pilot…

Part of Canada's Exemplary Schools Project, Georges Vanier Secondary School--a large school near Toronto--meets the needs of an extremely diverse student population by developing expanded curricular options and special programs that focus on student social and developmental needs. Case study explores tensions among school staff with varying views…

Zero-tolerance policies have had no appreciable effect on reducing violence, have had an adverse effect on African American students, and are receiving mixed reactions in the courts. Effective solutions are seen as improving overall school climate to guide school operations related to student discipline. (Contains 13 references.) (MLF)

Reviews trends in numbers of students excluded from school in England because of behavior problems, illustrating that permanent exclusions are rising. Proposes that causes for exclusion are psychosocial problems, family and social problems, stretched educational resources, and a cultural response to alienated and alienating behavior. Suggests…