Nonformal education is explored in the context of development in order to provide researchers with fundamental tools for selecting nonformal educational activities that can provide a framework for analysis. Criteria that can be used to determine nonformal educational activities are identified; development as the setting of nonformal education is…

Base Christian communities (also know as base-level ecclesial communities or CEBs) are small groups of Christians, mainly Catholics and mainly in Latin America, that come together for scripture study, prayer, and fellowship. They frequently turn their attention toward social ills and address problems existing within society. The origin of CEBs can…

Education is identified as one of the major goals of zoos. Research studies of the educational goals of different audiences associated with zoos and aquaria are reviewed in this report. These audiences include: (1) the zoo staff; (2) volunteers or docents; (3) general community members in formal programs; (4) students (elementary through graduate…

For American indigenous peoples, oral tradition maintains each group's cultural identity and world view; documents history; and links the group's past, present, and future. Storytelling has been a major mode of passing moral values and teachings to children, as well as passing sacred and specialized knowledge to new specialists but is now…

Considers the development of culturally relevant curriculum in Pacific Island nations. Discusses the legacies of colonialism in island education, the contrast between alien Western curriculum provided in schools and traditional knowledge transmitted by nonformal means, and the notion of curriculum for "literacy" in indigenous cultures.…

This article discusses the problems and potentials of nonformal education in India by reviewing a number of booklets, surveys, speeches, and government documents which analyze directions of nonformal education over the past three decades. (KC)

A growing body of empirical data suggests that there may be a true psychological distinction between academic and practical intelligence. If there is, then conventional ability tests used alone may reveal substantially less than we want to know about people's competence in everyday practical situations. Evidence to this effect is reviewed from…

Discusses a study undertaken to evaluate the influence of two community learning programs on the adolescent participants. Topics discussed include differences in staff roles in the programs, program characteristics, learning outcomes, and participant attitudes. Findings indicated that, in general, youth liked the community programs and learned a…

Discusses the integral role of Vodou in the daily life and cultural identity of Haitians. Examines Vodou's beliefs and world view, importance of community and the collective self, instructional strategies for transmission of religious values and moral principles, roles of teachers and learners, and evaluation of learner progress. (SV)

Describes principal characteristics of traditional education in island societies before Western contact, patterns of Western exploration and colonization, and origins of formal Western education in the region. Identifies critical contemporary educational issues: choice of educational delivery systems, establishing the locus of authority,…

FOUNDATIONS is a monograph series intended for those working to better science, mathematics, and technology education in the United States. This volume examines opportunities and challenges for those on the front lines of science education in elementary and middle schools. Designed as a resource for teachers and administrators who have not yet…

Discussed is the potential contribution to social change made possible by participation in the nonformal programs of national youth organizations. The participants in one such youth organization (Costa Rican National Youth Movement) are studied. (KC)

Identifies the role of family and community in the education of elementary and secondary school students in China. Particular emphasis is placed on family and community involvement with students and teachers. Topics discussed include family-teacher conferences, grandparent responsibilities, parental responsibilities for disciplining students, and…

Aboriginal literacy encompasses oral tradition, culture, language, identity, and world view in addition to the written word, and is a process of lifelong learning, much of which occurs beyond school walls. When defining Native literacy, one must move away from measuring Aboriginal students by Euro-Western definitions and move toward a balanced,…

Two books by and about American Indians demonstrate the positive impact of warm and caring relationships between elders and youth. Elders in these stories convey to children important lessons about life, death, traditions, heritage, and family; positively affect the identity development and emotional maturity of the adolescent protagonists; and…