This report describes the first two stages of the National Assessment project: gathering data on cooperative education objectives and developing tests for assessing learning outcomes of work experience programs. Problems in the measurement of experiential learning are also discussed. (SK)

Recognizes that, although advocates of experiential learning feel that participation has a profound effect on one's life, concrete evidence to support this contention is lacking. Suggests that lack of such evidence may be due to the fact that the effects of experiential education do not become apparent until later in life. (Author/GC)

A student teacher describes his experiment to foster experiential learning in a secondary sociology class by allowing the students to determine their own classroom society and teaching and evaluation methods. He also describes the unfavorable reaction of his cooperating teacher. (NEC)

Reviews an experimental educational program designed to provide experiential activities related to learning needs and potentials of older adults. The nature of the format allowed participants maximum opportunity to identify and achieve personal learning goals. Evaluation showed older adults respond meaningfully to programs designed to meet their…

Results indicate that systematic efforts to create positive attitudes toward police among high school students through lectures, discussion, a ride-a-long program, and an incarceration program were effective, especially when coupled with experiential activities and follow-up work carried out in Law XI classes for grades 11 and 12. (CM)

Believing that confinement of students within the same four walls does not lead to the best learning, a sixth-grade teacher took his students 20 miles into the country to work on their science lessons, where they used all of their senses in a unique hands-on farm environment. (Author/KC)

Argues that Cutter-Sanborn in the classroom is insufficient preparation for technical services librarians who will be dealing with automated systems. "Teaching libraries" are recommended as the principal instrument for bridging the gap between abstraction and practicality. (LLS)

Try to learn all you can about a plant in the winter. As the season changes, you can see what the dried seed pod is like in bloom. You are a convert if you notice a spectacular show of summer wildflowers and wonder what sort of winter weed will result. (Author/CM)

Presents a conceptual model that relates the range of types of experiential groups to their potential learning outcome. Attempts to relate group process and likely skill acquisition through participation in the group process. Tested model by considering applicability to a range of group learning processes. (RC)

The rationale for having health care practitioners teach students includes the optimal education of the students and continuing education for the practitioners themselves. Some goals and objectives for practitioner-instructors are provided, and instructional techniques utilized by optometric practitioner-instructors are described. (MLW)

Describes monetary and nonmonetary costs and benefits of university-sponsored paraprofessional training courses which utilize community facilities and staff. The specific program described involved undergraduate psychology students as tutors in a residential treatment program for behaviorally disturbed adolescents. (KC)

The problems in granting experiential learning credit and the exchange and use of such credit are discussed. Because of the shift in attention from traditional curricula to nontraditional programming and services, many problems exist for both the institutions and the adult students returning to school. (MLW)

Accrediting agencies can assume a leadership role in the recognition of prior learning experiences by endorsing the concept, assuring that good practices are followed, providing for the orientation and training of accrediting teams, and encouraging institutional review of policies and procedures. A statement endorsed by three national associations…

The composite-portfolio approach, combining all major systems of assessing prior learning of adults for degree credits, is described as exemplified by methods of Empire State College of the State University of New York. Illustrations include evaluation statements, outline of an actual degree program, and an evaluation policy statement. (MSC)

There are serious disparities between career development theories and reality for student workers and adult occupation changers. A change in the focus of both experiential educators and career development theorists is required. (MSE)