The concept of identity has become prominent in the study of Canadian education. We further the understanding of identity by examining the ways through which adults present themselves as subjects in learning processes. We recruited 134 adults who had recently read self-help books pertaining to health, careers, or relationships, and conducted…

This article introduces the notion of self-help as a unique form of self-directed learning that contains the inherent capacity to span the life-cycle. Self-help refers to the process that occurs within small, voluntary, peer-run, mutual aid support groups that offer the opportunity to overcome or cope with a common concern or problem. (JOW)

Comparison of nineteenth- and twentieth-century promotion of self-help learning shows that the aim and outcome can be socialization and order rather than social advancement and autonomy. Successful self-help schemes are rarely based on self-help alone, which calls into question the morality and financial wisdom of promoting a concept without…

This worksheet is intended to assist adult basic education teachers in organizing personal learning projects. Based on the learning approach advocated by Malcolm Knowles and a teacher training model developed through Project ACT, the worksheet includes information on the attributes of good teachers and development of a contract for self-directed…

Describes a Keller Plan program for teaching thermodynamics to college students. The outcome is improvement in study habits, and a more positive attitude towards examinations, but less performance in problem solving ability than via traditional approach. (Author/GA)

A self-administered assertiveness training program trained refusal of unreasonable requests from strangers and close relationships. Comparison with a placebo program indicated the assertiveness program produced superior effectiveness of assertion, content of assertion, verbalization of assertion-related obligations, persistent assertive…

Speech-anxious students were assigned to self-administered treatment conditions: (1) systematic desensitization, (2) desensitization with meditation replacing progressive relaxation, and (3) meditation only. Treatment manuals included coping-skill instructions. Treatments were equally effective in reducing anxiety and produced a greater reduction…

Examines the current status of self-care and self-help as they relate to health, and explores their potential in enhancing the health of the elderly. It is based on a review of the literature, and reports from self-care conferences and interviews with individuals interested and active in the field. (Author)

Analyzed the biographies of twenty acknowledged experts without formal training beyond high school in search of commonalities that might suggest ways people become effectively self-directed in learning and accomplishment. Patterns of education and personality characteristics are discussed. (Author/CC)

Describes the use of a self-instructional system in an animal structure and function course for meat inspection students at Lincoln College. The method was shown to be successful in promoting learning as measured by pre-test/post-test gain. The highest rated components for both enjoyment and effectiveness in the course were the self-paced feature…