Challenges the notion that excellence requires higher education by analyzing the approaches to learning of self-educated people in a variety of fields ("farm-gate intellectuals"). Considers how they fit into the anarchist-utopian tradition in adult education and how universities and adult educators can benefit from understanding their…

Applies the concept of classroom community to asynchronous learning networks by considering how to design and implement a course that fosters community among learners who are physically separated from each other. Examines student-instructor ratio, transactional distance, social presence and instructor immediacy, lurking, social equity,…

Describes a senior seminar as a capstone writing-intensive course with the purpose of introducing students to independent mathematical study. Discusses changes in the seminar over time that reflect changes in program emphasis and the interests of both faculty and students. (Author/MM)

Tests a three-day course model for medical school faculty (n=58) designed to promote self-directed learning, teaching skills, personal awareness, and interdisciplinary collegiality. Concludes that the faculty development program created a safe, learner-centered environment for participants that promoted both awareness of and commitment to…

The effects of feedback on the acquisition and retention of mathematical fact series by elementary school students classified with mild mental retardation was examined in 4 studies. Immediate feedback was provided by either an educator or the Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique (IF AT), at the end of a test series by a review of correct…

We present the design of a new 3D animation tool for self-teaching (signing and reading) finger spelling the first basic component in learning any sign language. We have designed a highly realistic hand with natural animation of the finger motions. Smoothness of motion (in real time) is achieved via programmable blending of animation segments. The…

In two experiments we explored how learning from traditional molar worked-out examples--focusing on problem categories and their associated overall solution procedures--as well as from more efficient modular worked-out examples--where intrinsic cognitive load is reduced by breaking down complex solutions into smaller meaningful solution…

In this commentary, Corno discusses Vollmeyer and Rheinberg's evidence from the perspective of related work in educational psychology. Relevant new terms provide background for understanding connections between the language used by Vollmeyer and Rheinberg and that of educational psychologists. The author uses results from research on teaching for…

More empirical studies are needed that evaluate interventions to improve the academic functioning of students with Asperger syndrome (AS). The purpose of this exploratory study was to evaluate the use of Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) writing instruction (Graham, Harris, MacArthur, & Schwartz, 1991) with an adolescent with AS. A…

With research consistently showing that students can be motivated to learn with ICT, this case study sought to investigate Year 7 students' learning about simple machines in an ICT-enhanced environment where they could self-direct their own learning with minimal intervention from the teacher. The study is focused on how well do students and…

This paper presents an action research approach to exploring methods of improving the learning styles and outcomes of first year university students within large class environments. The genesis of this project stemmed from an observation that entire tutorial groups were often lethargic in their approach to learning. Following a survey of learning…

Making educational materials freely available on the web can be seen as a noble enterprise in itself but as a way to address the call for people to become lifelong learners. The world is rapidly changing, requiring us to continuously update our knowledge and skills. A problem with this approach to lifelong learning is that the free materials that…

In pursuit of quality education in Bhutan there has been a desire to shift from teacher-dominant class teaching to students taking initiative in their own learning. This paper investigated the issue of moving teaching and learning from teacher-centered classes to independent learning of students. The research was carried out at Samtse College of…

The purpose of the study was to determine applicability of e-learning in problem based learning (PBL) by investigating its usage and acceptability among students and its effect on academic achievement. The study was carried out among first year medical students of Akdeniz University, Turkey. A web-based learning environment (WBLE) including…

In 1997 the British Columbia Open University (BCOU) adopted a virtualization strategy based primarily on twinning off-line independent study distance education courses (textbook-based with study guide and telephone and e-mail tutor support) with alternate online versions (textbook-based with integrated conferencing and communications provided…