A communication and problem-solving model is presented for individuals who lead extended field-based courses. The model focuses on the positive aspects of a situation and on encouraging individuals to accept responsibility for their behavioral choices. The four steps in the model are establishing rapport, what needs to change, where are we going,…

Petzoldt's "grasshopper" method of teaching was a systematic adaptation of opportunity teaching or using the teachable moment. An excellent example of effective experiential education, it presented small, manageable bites of information which were immediately relevant. His emphasis on the importance of judgment and decision making and the first 24…

A model of facilitating outdoor adventure groups that include people with and without disabilities is presented. Steps include developing a resource base, addressing personal attitudes and using appropriate language, obtaining information specific to client disabilities, designing individualized adaptations, implementing the program, and…

If female outdoor leaders assume a leadership style incongruent to their gender role, they may receive negative evaluations even though situations necessitate such behavior. Male and female outdoor leaders can break down gender-role expectations by identifying their own leadership styles and gender biases, creating awareness in colleagues of…

Classroom experiential-learning activities help college students understand the social-justice issues implicit in their service-learning projects and become culturally dexterous leaders. Classroom exercises described cover trust building, communication, consciousness of power and class issues, differentiating between social service and social…

A college teacher explains how weekly "critical incident questionnaires" illuminate what students think is significant in a class. Such questionnaires point out developing instructional problems, encourage students to be reflective learners, support diversity in teaching methods, build trust, and suggest possibilities for teacher development.…

Gives practical ideas for successful first aid simulations with specific steps for planning, executing, and debriefing. Emphasizes safety measures, realism, and planning for a definite purpose, e.g., motivating students to learn first aid/emergency procedures. Suggestions for debriefing cover time to air feelings, construct a factual chronology,…

Believes that one of the most important gifts teachers can offer their students is encouragement. Outlines six steps to introduce more encouragement into education, six practical ideas for creating a positive classroom atmosphere, and four "tough love" guidelines for supporting/encouraging disturbed teenagers in the classroom. (NEC)

Discusses experiential learning approaches used with incarcerated students, designed to help them evaluate their experiences and change their behaviors as a result. Defines process-oriented education and facilitative teaching and describes eight strategies for promoting interpersonal communication, group problem solving, and self-awareness. (JHZ)

Explains an experiential approach used to teach a course in state and local government at Unity College in Maine. Outlines course requirements and activities, which include field trips to the state capitol, research on current issues, and interviews with state and local officials. (JHZ)

Three entries address various outdoor education issues. The first outlines eight steps for promoting professional work. The second suggests ways to adapt 16 games, group initiatives, and ropes course elements to teach environmental concepts. The third explains the use of belay anchors, or cork-screw anchors designed to tether large dogs. (JHZ)

Examines theories of specific, nonspecific, and metaphoric transfer of learning and outlines 10 factors and techniques to assist adventure educators in linking challenging experiences to students' future learning. (LFL)

Outlines reasons why short-term wilderness trips may not create a positive environmental ethic in the value systems of trip participants. Suggests that wilderness experiences have little relevance in daily life of most participants. Encourages outdoor educators to introduce students to natural environments where they live whether rural, suburban,…

A new journal feature shares practical ideas in experiential education in less than 800 words. This issue presents an initiative problem, rules for rope push, exercise illustrating dependence on schedules, how to experience a handicap, maple sugaring project, assignment bridging the generation gap, simulating literary experiences, and local…

Describes a step-by-step process for elementary class brainstorming to develop interdisciplinary learning projects and activities: (1) initial listing of everything concerning the topic; (2) organizing the ideas by discipline, responsibility, and logical sequence; (3) experientializing the topics; and (4) identifying skills to be incorporated in…