Describes the stages of the transtheoretical model of change, in which the locus of control is with the changer. Compares this to the action model of change widely used in experiential education, and draws upon experiences in adventure therapy to show how using the transtheoretical model in debriefing can make experiential learning more effective.…

Experiential education is not just experiential learning, but also a philosophy of education that involves the interaction between learner and teacher and recognizes the larger system-level issues within education. Viewing experiential education as a philosophy allows for its various expressions to argue collectively for educational reform that…

The principles of experiential education were applied to a traditional teacher education course through use of a reflective framework that enabled students to study themselves as learners through analysis, synthesis, and theorizing. Reflecting on how they learn empowered students to better manage their own learning and consequently enabled them to…

Experiential education considers nature a classroom, but nature is also the teacher. Quiet watching and walking meditation are two exercises informed by Taoism, that when added to the normal experiential education fare, help students encounter nature with an open mind. An outdoor university course that incorporates the sentiments of seeing nature…

The stories we tell ourselves about nature and human/nature relationships influence which nature experiences we seek out and our interpretations of such experiences. In turn, these experiences reinforce or disrupt our stories. Since nature experiences are interpreted in multiple ways, environmental educators should move away from the linear model…

A study examined a summer science camp's impact on the attitudes of 46 children aged 9-12 toward the environment, and the extent of consequent behavior changes. All participants showed an increase in positive attitudes towards the environment. Almost one-fourth of the 128 intentions reported were acted upon during the following year. (Contains 30…

Designing environmentally friendly challenge courses involves considering factors such as clearing, trees versus poles, soil erosion and compaction, toilet design, waste disposal, and carrying capacity. Strategies used in "green development" such as systems thinking, solution multipliers, and brainstorming with stakeholders could promote…

Analogies drawn from a whitewater kayaking trip illustrate principles of enactive theory, which holds that mind, body, and world are interconnected. Learning, action, and place influence, and are influenced by, each other. Experience emerges collectively through the interrelationships of body, environment, social history, and perception as a…

Nancy's recent psychotic episode left her an anxious, fearful person. Participating in an adventure therapy program enabled her to connect with peers, regain social skills and physical stamina, adjust to a full-day activity, regain her confidence, reconstruct purpose and meaning in life, and follow through on plans to complete university and get a…

The current closed classroom system of education is not sufficient in preparing students for real world life. Proposes that the wilderness, cross-cultural, and international settings are a very powerful learning environment in which life-changing experiences can and do occur. Presents the Outward Bound process and Adler's stage theory of…

Multicultural international programs, such as Educo International, involve complex and infinitely variable factors that challenge leaders. Provides some ground rules for leadership in such programs. Presents examples of experiences in Botswana with Russian, U.S., and Batswana participants. (KS)

Explains the Cherokee concept of "gadugi," a tradition of interdependency and service which is reflected in the service component of the Native Indian Youth Leadership Project (NYLP). Provides examples of three levels of service in NYLP: (1) traditional community-generated service; (2) program-generated service; and (3) student-generated…

A personal account of family experiences, shows the usefulness of psychological labels to understand people. Summarizes Jung's psychological types and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which is based on Jungian types. Discusses the benefits and dangers of using labels. (KS)

Explores the importance, rationale, process, and effective use of lesbian, gay, and bisexual speakers' panels as an educational tool to combat homophobia. Successful panels create an atmosphere of emotional safety for panelists and participants. Panels emphasize the sharing of life experiences and facilitate applying the understanding gained to…

Questions the theoretical assumption that experiential learning informs in fixed ways for everyone. Suggests a critical look at where we get our theoretical information, as well as at the social parameters that explain reality. Focuses on two aspects of experiential learning not adequately addressed in theory: the embodied location of experience…