This document describes self-directed learning, summarizes practices and research since 1930, examines sociocultural influences on teaching and learning, and describes methods for initiating self-directed programs at all levels. Chapter I describes areas in which students could take responsibility for their own learning: selecting methods and…

This periodical contains special reports, reviews, and notes of recent documents on education in Asia and Oceania. The first section contains special reports on Pakistan's new educational policy and Thailand's new educational system. Pakistan's 1978 policy provides for village workshops for out-of-school youth; a national council on adult…

In Washington, the demand for well-educated employees will only increase over the next several years. In the decade leading up to 2012, healthcare occupations will see growth of 20 percent. Teachers will be in demand: nearly 9,000 new elementary and middle-school educators will need to be hired. Computer fields will undergo growth of 24 percent,…

The definition of work has undergone a massive transition within the last decade, and this trend has major implications for vocational education. Earlier ideas of work included that it was full-time, permanent, and for life; in addition, work provided opportunities for career development, a clearly-defined employer-worker relationship, and clear…

The 2000 Student Outcomes Survey was a national survey of students who undertook vocational education and training (VET) during 1999 at a technical and further education (TAFE) institute in Australia. Questionnaires mailed to stratified, randomly selected samples of graduates and module completers yielded national response levels of 55.8% and…

The Office of Technology Assessment reviewed the nation's literacy problem and the current and potential impact of using technologies in adult literacy programs. Data were collected from 2 workshops, 155 contributors and reviewers, 60 existing literacy programs, and 6 contractor reports. The information is summarized in this eight-chapter report.…

One in a series of studies of lifelong learning, this paper discusses the cultural and educational needs of selected urban and rural communities in Senegal and Ghana, emphasizing grassroots initiative and the community's analysis of its own needs. Information is drawn in part from surveys, public meetings, and interviews in three communities:…

The future of electronic learning was explored in an analysis that viewed the provision of learning at a distance as a continuum and traced the evolution from distance learning to electronic learning to mobile learning in Europe and elsewhere. Special attention was paid to the following topics: (1) the impact of the industrial revolution, the…

This document examines issues related to promoting education among teenage recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The document begins with background information about the provisions of recent federal legislation affecting TANF recipients under age 20. The following are among the 16 policy and management issues considered in…

This paper identifies and discusses major issues and trends in special education in the United States, including implications of these trends for future developments. Trends are discussed for the following areas: (1) philosophy and law (a communitarian philosophy is emerging); (2) labels and terminology (a trend toward declassification); (3)…

Designed to assist parents and teachers in understanding the complex procedures of special education, this book describes the process for obtaining school services for children with disabilities. An introduction reviews six major provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that relate to children's rights to a free,…

As an alternative to waiving foreign language requirements for students with learning disabilities or learning problems, a policy of inclusion in foreign language programs is proposed, based on research suggesting that alternative language teaching methods can be effective with these populations. The rationale for such a policy and the theoretical…

This report: (1) investigates the declining state of the educational system in America, as measured by high school student performance in the United States and other countries; (2) identifies specific problem areas; and (3) offers multiple recommendations for improvement. The five major recommendations arrived at appear, respectively, under the…

This report: (1) investigates the declining state of the educational system in America, as measured by high school student performance in the United States and other countries; (2) identifies specific problem areas; and (3) offers multiple recommendations for improvement. The five major recommendations arrived at appear, respectively, under the…

The education/employment situation of young people in Japan is examined as part of a project to broaden perspectives on social, educational, and employment issues in contemporary societies. Youth problems in Japan stem from the incredibly rapid industrialization and social change that have taken place in Japan since World War II. In spite of this…