Through review of literature of biology, psychology, and education, critical needs were identified for human development and a theory of education was synthesized to meet these needs. The consequent Structure for Self-Directed Education (STRUSD Education) was operationalized as Treatment A and tested in an educational psychology course. STRUSD Treatment A employed an authoritative structure oriented toward enhancing self-direction. It consisted of 1) two one-half-hour individual counseling sessions, 2) five small group meetings, 3) whole class meetings with discussions and talks by visitors, 4) departmental sessions of special film and guest programs, 5) authoritative structure of attendance and work reports, 6) a work report procedure in which students must choose their own study experiences and must report their learning experiences regularly. In the research, STRUSD students were compared to control groups and to other concurrently taught, equivalent classes. Results showed that although STRUSD students did not develop a significantly more positive attitude toward educational psychology, they did have significantly greater increase in Assertive Self Assurance and Adaptive Autonomy as measured by the California Psychological Inventory and of Freedom Orientation as measured by Runners' Interview Form III. They also scored significantly higher on the Departmental Evaluation of Achievement. (Appendixes contain materials describing the course, case histories, and evaluations by students.) (Author/RT)