Stresses the importance of experiential learning and reflection as bases of nature interpretation and environmental action. To promote effective nature interpretation by students, outdoor educators must develop skills in communication, dealing with the process of cumulative experiences, selecting evaluation criteria, examining meanings and…

Leading naturalist-teachers share outdoor learning activities and techniques, including using binoculars as magnifiers, scavenger hunts, games such as "what's it called" and "I spy," insect study, guessing the age of trees by examining the bark, leading bird walks, exploring nature in the community, and enhancing nature hikes with props. (LP)

The wife of the late Doug Wade discusses the course of his career in outdoor education and nature interpretation; the relationship he had with his mentor, Aldo Leopold; his success as a teacher and his relationship with his students; and how a background in botany enabled her to assist her husband with field trips. (LP)

In 43 rural Maine communities that pay tuition to send their students to high schools in larger towns, achievement test scores appeared to influence parental school choice but explained only 20% of the variability in enrollment trends. Enrollment trends were not related to school socioeconomic status or expenditure per pupil. Contains 40…

Interviews with 87 adolescents from farm and nonfarm families in rural New York revealed that farm adolescents were closer to their families, were more isolated from peers and peer-related activities, were less likely to pursue a college degree, and were unlikely to remain on the farm despite the positive aspects of farm life. Addresses…

Examination of the impact of gender and academic-risk behavior on the career maturity and competence of 110 rural youth revealed that females were more involved and independent in their career development and that high-risk students were less able to solve career-related problems. Addresses implications for rural career education and vocational…

Uses data from New York State's Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) to examine the interaction of rural school district size and wealth factors with BOCES size and wealth as they relate to expenditure levels for service provision. Findings suggest that opportunities available to districts through regional educational service agencies…

Research reveals an apparent disadvantage in rural child care that should be explored in terms of the links between child care and public school transition; patterns of child-care choice and utilization among rural families; and ecological relationships among families, child-care providers, schools, and communities in the rural setting. Contains…

Reviews a book about the history of a small rural school in Braxton County, West Virginia. Argues that consolidation and eventual closure of this school resulted from political, economic, social, and cultural forces that failed to recognize the important relationship between the school and the community. Reflects on the reviewer's own previous…

Two viewpoints criticize the views of DeYoung and others by claiming that the middle school movement came about as a result of research documenting the developmental needs of children. Rejoinder by DeYoung and others maintains that this trend has led to the loss of rural communities and had more to do with economic factors and rural elementary…

Experienced teams competing in multiple adventure activities, several of which involved ropes, kept their harnesses on all day. Safety procedures included an initial check of buckles and harnesses by an instructor, but failed to recognize that participants would remove their harnesses for toilet purposes. Lists other possible safety errors for…

Uses statements in adventure education brochures to indicate assumptions in the field of adventure education. Points out discrepancies between these assumptions and actual practice. Examines assumptions that adventure education promotes personal growth, that learning from adventure experiences transfers to other areas, and that adventure education…

Informal outdoor education refers to the use of voluntary outdoor activities and experiences to promote personal growth and mutual aid among the clients of youth programs and other human services agencies. Discusses the unique benefits of outdoor education, client recruitment through outreach, links with home, and the aim of increasing client…

Recounts an incident in which a mountaineer cut the rope on which his partner's life depended in order to save himself from being pulled to almost certain death. Interprets relevant English law with regard to the definition of murder and possible defenses in a case such as this. (SV)

Eight college students with no previous kayaking experience were taught to do the basic kayak roll using one of two common approaches, the pawlata or the screw. After 2 1.5-hour instructional sessions, each student attempted 10 rolls. Significantly higher scores were obtained by the group using the pawlata, which provides considerable mechanical…