Research into indicators of learning occurring in e-mail discussion groups investigated how to maximize factors that enhance learning and networking using e-mail and how to minimize factors that inhibit learning using this medium. Data from a range of e-mail discussion groups formed the basis of the research, with focus on e-mail discussion that…

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…

In the two high school writing communities described in this article, literacy is strategic, purposeful, and always linked to meaning. The foundation for literate practices in these communities is Freirian in nature. Teachers, in a very serious way, work to liberate language and prepare students to be in control of words; they do this by allowing…

This case study examines the life journey of a self-directed adult learner who has made remarkable achievements in overcoming a difficult educational beginning in early childhood, as well as personal trauma in adulthood. The subject has shown determination in seeking out his own opportunities to learn in spite of major drawbacks, chief of which…

Rural areas in both developed and developing countries are being increasingly marginalized through structural changes. Furthermore, the disinvestment in state-provided supports and services means that rural people are left to their own devices to cope with these changes. Numerous authors argue that the most effective way of dealing with these…

These proceedings contain the papers of the 11th International Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in the Digital Age (CELDA 2014), October 25-27, 2014, which has been organized by the International Association for Development of the Information Society (IADIS) and endorsed by the Japanese Society for Information and Systems in…

The purpose of this book is: to set the historical development of British adult education in its wider policy and ideological context; to examine its various forms and formulations; and to identify what purpose or purposes it has served. The 16 chapters are as follows: "Historical and Political Context" (Roger Fieldhouse); "The…

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…

This article provides a preliminary analysis of issues and challenges associated with a qualitative participatory research project conducted in Auckland, New Zealand. It traces the history of the development of the project in two selected urban areas which entails an investigation of a full range of learning for older adults--formal, non-formal…

The environment encompasses all of the external and internal stimuli that affect people in their daily lives. How they are interpreted and how people react are as varied as the stimuli themselves. One of the major objectives of environmental education is to form positive reactions and attitudes toward the environment. The concepts and basic…

The proceedings of the first International Conference of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAEE), which was also the 13th annual conference of the National Association of Environmental Education as the NAEE was formerly known, provides as complete a record as possible of the conference activities. Papers and reports are…

Designed to supplement a short course for parents and their middle school children, this document provides organized, cooperative learning activities to be done at the zoo and at home. It is intended that the course be a vehicle for promoting positive attitudes toward the study of science in parents and their children and to increase their levels…

A questionnaire asked citizens their views on lifelong learning, including participation in, experiences of, and motivations for learning. Findings indicated 9 in 10 European citizens think lifelong learning is important to some extent; lifelong learning is important for social and economic reasons; the majority think lifelong learning is for…

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…