Imagination and the Cognitive Tools of Place-Making

In environmental and ecological education, a rich literature builds on the premise that place, the local natural context in which one lives, can be an emotionally engaging context for learning and the source of life-long concern for nature. A theory of imaginative education can help uncover new tools and strategies for place-based educators. Conversely, a focus on the imaginative dimensions of place-making sheds new light on the nature of imaginative development, with important implications for educational theory and practice.     

The Uses and Misuses of Evaluation

Current research indicates that creativity in teaching can and should be enhanced in order to promote student learning. This article begins by stressing the importance of creativity in education and the ways in which creative teaching benefits students. Next, it addresses key points for better understanding classroom creativity by identifying common barriers that counteract or hinder teacher creativity. After identifying the characteristics of teachers who are considered creative educators, this article concludes with general recommendations, as well as specific strategies, for increasing the level of creative teaching in today's classrooms.     

Among the contributors

Historical Sketch of the Salem Lyceum. With a List of the Officers and Lecturers Since its Formation in 1830 and an extract from the Address of Gen. Henry K. Oliver. Salem, Mass., 1879; 74 pp.

The Well‐Bred Scholar, or Practical Essays on the Best Methods of Improving The Taste, and Assisting The Exertions of Youth in Their Literary Pursuits. William Milns. London, 1794; 559 pp.

Literary Essays. By William G. T. Shedd. Charles Scribner's Sons, 1878; pp. 365.

The Art of Reading. By A. Crocker. Bath, 1782.

The Groundwork of Science. By St. George Mivart, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1898; pp. 328.     

Confronting Physical Activity Programming Barriers for People with Disabilities: The Empowerment Model

Community-based physical activity programs for people with disabilities have barriers that are unique to their program leader qualifications and the population they serve. Moran and Block (2010) argued that there is a need for practical strategies that are easy for communities to implement, maximize resources, and minimize the impact of barriers on each individual. The purpose of this article was to build upon the work of Moran and Block by identifying and systematically addressing barriers to physical activity for people with disabilities in ways that target their sources of self-efficacy. The Empowerment Model is introduced, along with its multi-tiered empowerment continuum of training, support, and programming strands. The goal of the tiered empowerment continuum is to progressively move populations to more independent levels of training, support, and programming.