Empowerment Through Experiential Learning: Explorations of Good Practice

Empowerment Through Experiential Learning: Explorations of Good Practice Review

This volume brings together papers from the 1991 Conference on Experiential Learning, and provides a broad illustration of best practice in this fast-developing field. The editors have highlighted the emerging ideas of empowerment, for example as a development of autonomy and control, public recognition of personal learning, a shift of emphasis from teaching to learning, the decoupling of learning and formal education, and the relocation of learning in the workplace, community and personal life. The contributions are provided by expert practitioners in the field from the UK, Australia, Italy, Hong Kong, Canada, South Africa and the USA. They have been grouped into five sections which examine theories in practice; assessment and accreditation; integrating experiential learning; learning to learn; and putting principles into practice. Themes covered in detail include learner experience - a rich resource; balancing facilitator authority and learner autonomy; adventure-based experiential learning; learning contracts - how they can be used; and developing a model to aid learners and facilitators.

The Art of Changing the Brain: Enriching the Practice of Teaching by Exploring the Biology of Learning

The Art of Changing the Brain: Enriching the Practice of Teaching by Exploring the Biology of Learning Review

Neuroscience tells us that the products of the mind--thought, emotions, artistic creation--are the result of the interactions of the biological brain with our senses and the physical world: in short, that thinking and learning are the products of a biological process.

This realization, that learning actually alters the brain by changing the number and strength of synapses, offers a powerful foundation for rethinking teaching practice and one's philosophy of teaching.

James Zull invites teachers in higher education or any other setting to accompany him in his exploration of what scientists can tell us about the brain and to discover how this knowledge can influence the practice of teaching. He describes the brain in clear non-technical language and an engaging conversational tone, highlighting its functions and parts and how they interact, and always relating them to the real world of the classroom and his own evolution as a teacher.

"The Art of Changing the Brain" is grounded in the practicalities and challenges of creating effective opportunities for deep and lasting learning, and of dealing with students as unique learners.

Learning Communities In Practice (Explorations of Educational Purpose)

Learning Communities In Practice (Explorations of Educational Purpose) Review

Most would agree that a learning community of practice cultivates social and intellectual development in educational settings but what are the other benefits and what does a learning community actually look like in practice? This book explores such questions as: “Are learning communities essential in education?” “How are they designed and developed?” “What difference do they make in learning?” The book contains contributions of educators who share their research and practice in designing and implementing learning communities in school, university, and professional network settings. It presents their experiences, and the “how to” of these educators who are passionate about building and sustaining learning communities to make a real difference for students, teachers, faculty, and communities. Combining scholarly and practitioner research, the book offers practical information to teachers, school and university administrators, teacher educators, and community educators.