Our school career culminates in a set of exam results, but if students want to do well, attending lessons is not enough: the implicit expectation is that all students will reinforce learning independently outside of the classroom. Really effective learners employ effective independent study techniques, but when, how and where do they learn to do…

This book provides a multifaceted framework in which curricular content and methods of teaching, learning, and assessment are all tuned to adequately prepare students at the secondary school level and beyond for building a 21st century Egypt at no added cost, both during and after their formal education. This framework was developed in light of:…

This article describes the evaluation of a project designed to provide in-service training for teachers in rural schools in Outer Mongolia in techniques of independent and co-operative learning. Difficulties faced by Mongolian teachers in implementing a new national standards based curriculum were identified by the Mongolian State Education…

New theory on adaptive teaching reflects the social dynamics of classrooms to explain what practicing teachers do to address student differences related to learning. In teaching adaptively, teachers respond to learners as they work. Teachers read student signals to diagnose needs on the fly and tap previous experience with similar learners to…

Considers three main components of self-directed learning: (1) topic knowledge; (2) procedural skills; and (3) self-monitoring. The role of computer-assisted instruction in autonomous learning is discussed, software that fosters independent problem solving is reviewed, and it is recommended that computers be incorporated in courses emphasizing…

Discusses computer-mediated communication (CMC) in distance education. Topics addressed include recent research that focused on the use of CMC-delivered courses in distance education; self-directed learning and learner autonomy; independent study; learner controlled instruction; critical thinking; collaborative learning; and curriculum change. (45…

Discusses information literacy and presents a theoretical framework for higher education. Highlights include characteristics of an information literate person, including independent self-directed learning and the use of information technology; information literacy education strategies in the academic curriculum; evaluating information literacy…

Describes a learning project designed to encourage students to focus on their own learning strategies and to collect data about these strategies as well as those they had not yet acquired. A consideration of learner strategies is central to any initiative undertaken to encourage student autonomy within the context of the implementation of the…

Self-regulated learning (SRL) researchers have paid relatively little attention to questions concerning (a) the level of experience and expertise required to create high-SRL environments, (b) how teachers acquire such expertise, and (c) how expert instruction needs to be to influence students' SRL positively. We agree with Randi and Corno (2000)…

Compared "extended discretion" (ED) learning approach to traditional Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) laboratory investigations. Found that although ED students are more capable of exercising independent judgment for greater lengths of time while BSCS demanded more teacher time, all teachers were still reluctant to accord…

In inclusive classrooms, all students can learn more effectively if teachers adjust instruction for individual learning styles and needs. This paper describes: reasons to use differentiated instruction; the principles of differentiated instruction (based on the theory of multiple intelligences); instructional strategies (e.g., acceleration,…

A preservice teacher education course in educational psychology focused on students (n=67) taking greater responsibility for learning through exposure to a variety of learning experiences, including curriculum negotiation, peer discussion and teaching, learning contracts, self/peer/collaborative assessment, and critical reflection. Locus of…

This paper argues that progressive pedagogy is a viable alternative to more limited basic skill approaches to school reform. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative data collected during the fourth year of a 7-year multi-site school reform initiative in a besieged urban district, the paper documents ways in which teachers have dramatically altered…

Describes the research rationale for the developmental course offered to entering students at Upsala College (NJ) called "Precise Thinking." This skills-development program integrates reading, writing, and mathematical skills with underlying metacognitive processes to teach students perseverance and strategies for problem-solving and self-directed…

This study was developed to examine some possible reasons for the poor transition outcomes of students with exceptional needs even when provided with the structure and support of an Individualized Education Program, certified teachers, limited class sizes, and transition support. An extensive review of the literature precedes the research report.…