The rationale for providing media center projects for elementary gifted students is considered and an independent study project involving the student and the media specialist is described. Interaction between the student and media specialist is stressed and suggested projects for upper elementary students are listed. Guidelines for conducting…

Examines the view of modular unit as a self-contained, self-instructional package with clear cut objectives, a variety of media, and requiring active participation by the learner which is immediately reinforced. The module is concerned with the sequence and structure of knowledge. An appendix applies these ideas to instruction in standard Chinese.…

Self-instructional learning modules were used to teach the skill portion of a continuing education course. Short- and long-term results obtained from course evaluations and a follow-up survey indicate that dental hygienists are willing to extend their role to include prosthodontic care. (Author/LC)

The learning station process approach to curriculum enrichment in gifted education is considered. Key aspects of such an approach, including facilitator availability, spontaneity, flexibility, individualized and creative problem solving, and individual programing, are described. (CL)

Discusses the use of prerecorded material as an aid to learning stress-rhythm and intonation. Central to this method is that learning prosodic features is largely auto-instructional. Once study materials have been carefully chosen and assembled, and a pace of self-instruction established, students' resources assume control. (Author/PJM)

While self-paced instruction works well at earlier stages of Latin language learning, it becomes ineffective at intermediate levels. Latin students are expected to read continuous prose by the third or fourth term. Classroom instruction is better for the transition from syntax and grammar to reading, where group effort reinforces learning. (PJM)

Self-instructional programs in the commonly taught languages are recommended for: (1) those who cannot get to classes, (2) classes with individual learner needs, and (3) learners advanced enough to take on self-directed tasks. The roles of teacher and learner in self-instructional programs are discussed. (JB)

Describes a program that uses independent study in English to engage gifted high school students. The program requires students to leave school to research a topic of choice, present the acquired knowledge, and determine their own grades. The students pursue their projects with the help of mentors. (CR)

Using self-reporting instruments, examines relationship between the teacher's view of potential student achievement and student's view. Involves self-regulated learning activities and persistence in two large urban high schools in the South. Findings suggest likely significant influence of teacher's perspective of potential student achievement on…

Describes the creation of SeniorSage, an eight week facilitated online learning community for older adult volunteers in a Florida learning center. Discusses how members were prepared to participate in the community, explains the instructional design theory that guided the development of SeniorSage, and recommends future research. (Author/LRW)

In an adaptation from "The Making of an Adult Educator: An Autobiographical Journey," Malcolm Knowles, the father of adult learning theory, discusses motivation, self-directed learning, trainers and organizational change, and social and economic inequalities in the United States. (JOW)

Highlights new directions in cognitive research. Instead of searching for universally valid principles, new style reseachers are studying how people learn particular things in particular environments. Findings need to be corroborated by numerous researchers using a variety of observational and experimental methodologies. Includes two references.…

The authors describe their observations, as administrators of the Personal Adult Learning Lab at the University of Georgia, about the role of educational technology in adult self-directed learning and the adult learner's reaction to technology. The ways in which the lab is using computer-assisted instruction and interactive video technology are…

Argues that teachers can help students improve their learning by understanding the reasons why students have not been successful, by identifying strategies that promote active participation in the learning process, and by teaching students how to become more responsible for their own learning. (RAE)

Discusses course workload in college-affiliated independent study programs. A program at Brigham Young University that addressed the problem of workload equivalence and reduced the number of submitted lessons is described, including benefits to students and faculty and an implementation strategy. (10 references) (LRW)