Describes a center for education, research, and passive recreation in wetland settings operated by a community conservation organization in cooperation with the state and a local university. Discusses the philosophy, on-site programs (formal and nonformal), the outreach program, and community involvement in ornithological research of the center.…

The main idea this article develops is the conceptual chaos, methodological tensions and epistemological conflicts that are being experienced in the field of environmental education as a result of the uncertainty generated by some institutions and international organisms. The authors' perspective starts from the idea that too many expectations…

This report identifies and explains the issues, challenges and options affecting formal and informal arts education in Arizona today. It ascertains the feasibility of mechanisms to track formal and informal--or school- and community-based arts education over the long term. The Morrison Institute for Public Policy (School of Public Affairs, College…

Motion-picture films have come to be recognized quite generally as a valuable and practical means of instruction in schools, college, and universities and for clubs and societies organized for educational purposes. The number of persons making such use of them is now very large and constantly becoming larger. To all these, a handbook of general…

Includes "Young Men Learning: Informal Education and Drug Abuse" (Ellis); "Young Women Learning: Participative Women-Only Group Work" (Gregory); "City Challenge and Capacity Building: Developing Communication Skills" (Smith); and "Social Education with Disaffected Young People: The Padstow Challenge and…

Formal and informal educational options available to older persons are briefly described, with attention to classroom courses, correspondence/home study courses, credit by examination, summer/weekend learning vacations, external degree programs, discussion groups, and self-study. Classes may be offered at public and private schools, community…

This section contains six articles on the following topics: (1) friendship and love in the early childhood curriculum; (2) creating a stimulating classroom environment; (3) encouraging children's sense of joy; (4) learning from nature and people outside the classroom; (5) language experiences for young children; and (6) what children need to feel…

The Bernard van Leer Foundation sponsors nontraditional, nonschool programs designed to improve the chances that preschoolers will enroll in school. In these programs and other informal education efforts, the community facilitator plays an important role. Typically, the facilitator is a member of the community who works without remuneration as a…

Designed for media specialists and educators, this issue includes five articles exploring the contributions of children's films to museum programs. Following a brief editorial encouraging the use of films in museums, the first article outlines a picture storybook model for evaluating children's films. Several storybook models are identified, and a…

Social capital helps communities respond positively to change. Research into managing change through learning in communities and in small businesses, particularly farm businesses, has highlighted the importance of relationships between people and the formal and informal structure of communities to the quality of outcomes experienced by…

Discusses rationale for developing the Exploratorium at San Francisco's Museum of Science, Art, and Perception. Describes typical exhibits, hands-on nature of exhibits, and function of Explainers. Presents information about Exploratorium workshops (currently oriented toward upper elementary/junior high teachers), emphasizing the nature of science…

The goal of the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is to provide academic enrichment opportunities and youth development activities for children attending low-performing schools. A look at several rural and urban programs in Oregon and Washington reveals that successful programs mesh with the school culture and partner with…

In outlining a national strategy for environmental education in India, this document describes some current and future efforts of the Center for Environmental Education at Ahmedabad. It provides an historical account of India's environmental problems and its recent efforts at addressing those problems in light of rapid developmental efforts and…

Maintains that the entire field of adult music instruction outside of traditional education largely has been ignored by education researchers. Argues that this field is particularly productive in transmitting musical culture within ethnic communities. Identifies some of the organizations available: church choirs, community bands, singing groups,…

Proposes the home-school connection as a key solution to boost science, mathematics, and technology programs in schools. Suggests that professionals in education must find ways to make connections between school learning and children's learning outside school. Proposes appropriate strategies such as science and mathematics backpacks, minimuseums,…