Discussed is the idea that kids are highly politically correct environmentalists on the surface, but underneath they seem to be missing the connection with nature. The author attributes this ignorance of all things natural to things such as kid's preference for video games, television, and lack of access and time. The importance of parental…

Explores current reforms in both mathematics and science education that emphasize the importance of learning in informal settings. Suggests that informal education must include planned and purposeful attempts to facilitate students' understanding of mathematics and science in community settings other than the local school. (Author/CCM)

Societal changes in late modernity influenced what persons should learn and also influenced how education should change to support these new learning requirements. Particularly, the increasing instrumentalization of our society requires more autonomous and reflective learners. On the one hand this article describes three specific examples of such…

There is no centralized policy for using television and radio for inservice teacher education in Britain. Teacher training colleges have their own low cost production units, two cities have all their schools linked on a closed circuit cable system, and the BBC broadcasts on open circuit one or two series for teachers each year. The largest user of…

The family operates as an economic socialization agent through the provision of (1) economic information networks, (2) grants and exchanges of resources, (3) economic role models, and (4) an environment for the development of individual human resource attributes. (SK)

Women in most countries suffer job discrimination in terms of sex role stereotyping and lower paying jobs. The author discusses various nonformal training programs giving directions, targets, and strategies to overcome the problem and suggesting that women must be strongly motivated to improve their quality of life. (JOW)

Draws from perceptual and cognitive psychology to present a theoretical basis for the principles of interpretation developed by Freeman Tilden. Emphasized is cognitive map theory which holds that information units people receive, code and store are structured into cognitive models intended to represent the environment. (Author/WB)

Describes and explains the rationale for establishing a program in higher education that would support and interact with the community of institutions and individuals involved in informal or nonformal science education. Outlines a number of research questions proposed at a recent meeting of informal science educators. (DDR)

Identifies definitions and types of informal learning. Examines issues such as the utility of informal learning, the processes involved, and the lack of methods to assess the quality of learning acquired informally. (SK)

Traditional teaching methods are not appropriate for adults who have a bank of existing knowledge. Nonformal education must begin by finding out what people need to know and prepare materials and programs that are relevant to perceived needs. Improving adults' understanding of science and mathematics must proceed upon these principles. (SK)

Defines "nonformal education" as encompassing the educational influences of all of society's institutions. Suggests that nonformal education may be the best approach to aid for development in developing nations, as well as to lifelong learning in European and other developed nations. (SV)

Metaphorical teachings derived from objects and observations of daily life may provide a way to bridge the gap between the deeply religious values at the center of life for Navajo elders and the mechanized, fast-paced world of Navajo youth who find traditional teachings confusing or irrelevant. Examples of such teachings are provided. (SV)

The validity and reliability of methods for assessing nonformal learning are influenced by the type of knowledge being measured, which in turn influences assessment criteria. Satisfactory methods must consider the specific character of nonformal learning. (SK)

Participatory Environmental Action Research involves novices, scientists, and local residents in exploring environmental problems, facilitated by extension professionals. Educational benefits of the expeditions include learning research techniques and teamwork; scientists develop skills in adult education and interpreting science for…

Examines the conceptual frameworks and substantive ideas of three authors--Lawrence Cremin, Neil Postman, and Christopher Lasch--all of whom view technologies as educators. Focuses on television as an educator and the relations between television's education and the education of schools, families, and communities. Contains 19 references. (DDR)