This article describes a programme of autonomous language learning (ALMS) introduced at Helsinki University Language Centre in 1994. The programme was developed to encourage students to become actively involved in their own learning in terms of deciding what they need and wish to learn, setting goals and objectives, achieving these objectives, and…

A micro-level approach to the study of relationships between component processes within self-regulated learning in young adolescent students is described. Using this approach, contingencies between self-regulatory processes can be identified and insight into factors that promote students' use of self-regulatory strategies can be investigated.…

Article addressed itself to the dissatisfaction bred by changes in curriculum and learning method as well as the need for students to be aware of learning that is relevant to their own interests. (RK)

This document presents a programed self study course that, while not time consuming, will provide the indepth teaching that adult 4-H leaders need to function effectively. Each unit, or paragraph of information is followed by one or more multiple choice questions with four alternative answers. A statement of the correct answer and a short…

During the spring 1970 semester at Meramec Community College, 28 students participated in an experimental program of supervised, self-directed learning. This program grew out of the belief that community colleges were not meeting the needs of students with widely varied backgrounds. Questionnaires were distributed to the students and instructors…

This study was conducted to extend the present state of research involving independent study as a teaching and learning methodology in the 2-year community college. A stratified random sample of 241 subjects was organized into six day and two night sessions of freshman English at Prince George's Community College, Largo, Maryland. Four instructors…

Reported is a study of the relationship of independent study, object visualization, and anxiety to hypothesis formation by college freshmen in the biological sciences. The participants of the study were 108 undergraduate females who had no previous science instruction and who were enrolled in introductory biology classes. The subjects, randomly…

This article is a summary of the findings of a research project that included ten older rural adults from a county in south Georgia. The research focused on self-directed learning. The researcher conducted two interviews with each participant over a two day period. The findings focused around four research questions: what is the nature of…

As new communications media have developed, discussion of the definition of "distance education" (DE) has increased. The following defining features of DE have been proposed: geographically remote, two-way communication; use of one or more technical media; mass delivery; control of educational institution; and predominance of independent…

Describes the Open University of the United Kingdom, established by Royal Charter to serve adult students. (Author/RK)

The ways in which students can be assisted to learn how to learn and hence to be prepared to undertake an active involvement in their own continuing education are discussed. The curriculum at the medical school at the University of Newcastle, Australia is described. (Author/MLW)

By keeping a diary of her class activities, the author was able to analyze her teaching behaviors and judge if they helped or hindered her goal of developing her students as independent learners. Extracts from the diary are included. (SJL)

Introducing exemplary theory and research findings bearing upon adult experiential learning, this article describes three emerging learning models that are "active" oriented. Implications for the future in terms of individual learning and postsecondary institutions are highlighted. (Author/DS)

The author categorizes the stages and skills of independent inquiry: the motivation to inquire; skills essential to setting up an inquiry; and modes of concluding an inquiry or verifying a hypothesis. He draws curriculum implications for developing independent learners. (SJL)

The survey of about 1,000 students at a Hong Kong University found a decrease in students' use of a deep approach to study and an increased tendency to adopt a surface approach between their first and final years. Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation, surface demands, workload, and teaching style are given as possible explanations. (Author/MLW)