Discusses the relationship between instructional design and situated learning. The transfer of knowledge and skills to a variety of settings is considered; and ways in which instructional design can contribute to the goals of situated learning are described, including planning learning experiences that are situated in the real world. (24…

Examines approaches which have been successful in creating a humorous atmosphere in a Montessori class for 2- and 3-year olds, and reviews research findings with various ages and cross-cultural comparisons that contribute to an understanding of the role of humor in children's natural development. (Author)

In contrast to the hypothesis that dyslexics possess phonological deficits of neurological origin, the paper proposes that the source of the deficit is primarily experiential. Evidence from normal reading and spelling development as well as from comparisons of dyslexic and nondyslexic readers is offered. (Author/DB)

Encourages the integration of storytelling into environmental and outdoor education to help urban children regain their lost connections to nature. The environmental educational story can be seen as a symbolic perception of the natural world that complements a child's experience and observation of nature and promotes imagination and an…

This paper reflects on the motivations for doing photography and examines the therapeutic use of photography with various populations. The paper provides an account of how one person was trained as a teacher in the early 1970s but could not find work. He moved into and then out of social work with the elderly in Chicago. Having learned photography…

This article deals with the claim that teaching is an art. The particular view of art held by Heidegger is explored in an effort to find the meaning of art and of teaching. (CJ)

Challenges misconceptions suggesting that outdoor and adventure experiences lead participants to advocate protection of natural areas, to value aesthetic experiences, to appreciate and understand the environment more deeply, to develop a spiritual relationship with the natural world, and to fight for environmental causes. (LP)

Without recognizing "other voices," outdoor adventure is impoverished through its domination by a white male ethos. Quality research is needed that examines the praxis of outdoor adventure as well as philosophies and ideologies that underpin its practices. By going beyond ethnocentric and androcentric notions of power and empowerment, outdoor…

A review of research indicates that current beginning reading practices typically emphasize discrete skills that fail to take advantage of young children's emergent literacy abilities. Suggestions for strengthening the match between young children's emergent literacy and instructional experiences are offered. (RH)

In 1997, the Danville City Public Schools opened four focus schools at the high school level, adding 2 more schools in the next 2 years. This booklet relates the efforts of this small urban school district to bring educational choice to its students, parents, and teachers, while having to grapple with issues of autonomy and governance, innovation…

Responding to an article by Donald Vandenberg (Educational Theory, Summer 1980) on the meaning of the phrase "educative experience" in John Dewey's "Democracy in Education," Chambliss says that Vandenberg misunderstands Dewey's conception of both education and experience. Social and educational implications of Dewey's thought…

Ralph W. Tyler's paper on "Curriculum Development and Research" contains examples of research findings which were or were not used in efforts to change or develop curriculum. The roles, use, and importance of action research, formulation of objectives, planning and organization of learning experiences, program assessment, relationship…

The presuppositions that favor firsthand experience over secondhand information, as pertaining to learning and education, are questioned. It is noted that, when education and firsthand experience are described as if equivalent, a presumption is made that a commonsense theory of knowledge and mind is valid. Research on the social psychology of…

Parallels are drawn between T. S. Kuhn's theory of scientific revolutions and George Kelly's personal construct systems. Personal construct psychology is depicted as a particularly innovative approach to adult learning with implications for: (1) the philosophy of lifelong learning; (2) the importance of experience; (3) recognition of individual…

Suggestions are made for providing a smoothly continuous learning experience for children from nursery school through the school years. (JD)