Three large and diverse data sets were used to study the relations among 6th?12th grade students' community service and service-learning experiences, academic success, and socioeconomic status (SES). Principals in high-poverty, urban, and majority nonwhite schools were more likely to judge service-learning's impact on student attendance,…

Empowerment evaluation helps people improve their programs using self-evaluation. Empowerment evaluation has three steps: establishing a mission; taking stock of the most significant activities; and planning for the future by establishing goals, strategies, and criteria for evidence. A NASA experiential program for small, distributed groups of…

A study examined the effects of a 5-day rock climbing intervention on perceptions of alienation and control among 17 at-risk adolescents from an alternative high school. Following the climbing program, the experimental group was less alienated and demonstrated a stronger sense of personal control than did the control group. (TD)

Uses three case studies to examine philosophical and pedagogical issues surrounding the use of laptop computers in outdoor education. Discusses the relationship between nature and technology and the use of computers in education lead to a call for greater recognition of the value of field education, especially in science. Presents criteria for…

Describing some of the current Foxfire activities, this article presents the rationale behind Foxfire's expansion--"Before you start to do anything related to your work with this organization, ask yourself first why a student is not doing it instead. If you don't have a good reason, then go find a student, preferably one who has never done it…

Considers impact that experiential education could/should have on the world. Concludes that student experiential/service learning opportunities are being missed, not through student reluctance to jeopardize grades by leaving classrooms, but through inability of experienced educators to relate theory to practice or to link courses and curricula to…

Traces the history of the six United World Colleges (UWC), founded by Kurt Hahn to provide experiential learning opportunities for youths, aged 16 to 19, from 100 countries. Outlines UWC philosophy of education which requires all students to engage in community service each week to qualify for the final diploma. (NEC)

Recounts evolution of School Concern Project, begun in Oxfordshire, England, in 1978 and staffed by professional teachers and therapists, into minimally budgeted organization staffed by physically disabled volunteers in 1984. Describes how students, including those with learning and behavioral needs, were involved in design and production of items…

Describes the outdoor/experiential learning curriculum of the International School Moshi in Tanzania which is inspired by the geographical and environmental features of the region (Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti Plains). Includes the objectives, organizational and attitudinal problems, and benefits of the program. (NEC)

Reports psychological benefits of participation in caving, rock climbing, ropes, and teams course of 30-day adventure program by 56 delinquent youth (ages 11-18). Concludes rope course satisfied independence, rewards, and variety more than caving; rock climbing satisfied independence and rewards more than caving; caving less beneficial than other…

Ingredients necessary to forge successful, effective youth-adult partnerships: the conviction that adolescents can make a valuable contribution, long-term commitment to the project, and giving youths a definite organizational role are outlined with reference to the experience of the Youth Participation Project in Nassau County, New York. (JMM)

The Cherokee Nation Youth Leadership Program began in 1982 to address the issue of leadership and to instill self-confidence, a positive regard for Cherokee identity, and a sense of community spirit by means of a multicultural camp experience. Program development, evaluation, and community impact are discussed. (JMM)

Outlines three different models of formal experiential education: instruction group process, simulation and games, and field experience. Describes the development of the Field Studies Program at the University of California at Berkeley and examines the process by which all three traditions were effectively integrated into the program. (SB)

Looks at programs using the Foxfire model--an experiential, hands-on approach to learning--to serve the following three distinct populations: handicapped, special education students; migrant farmworker youth; and the nation's most recent immigrants. (ERB)

Describes a study of self-concept changes among 87 ninth-grade students during a 10-week mandatory adventure course. Concludes that course participation improved overall self-esteem and perceptions of own physical self and popularity, particularly among male students. Contains 16 references. (SV)