Self-directed learning is reconceptualized in light of John Dewey's work. Although one would think that proponents of self-directed learning would turn to Dewey's philosophy of education to find support for the idea of self-directed learning, such is often not the case. Instead, advocates of self-directed learning frequently look to Carl Rogers…

The concept of independent learning is discussed. Independent learning is defined as learning in which the learner, in conjunction with relevant others, can make the decisions necessary to meet his or her own learning needs. This must be regarded as a direction or goal to be pursued, not as an absolute standard and not as a set of identifiable…

Arguing that extensive efforts to produce open learning materials should not be undertaken until the possibility of using or adapting existing materials is considered, this paper identifies current sources of materials available in Great Britain for non-advanced further education. The first sections of the paper review common types of open…

Designed as a self-teaching tool for those who have had no experience with computers and who are seeking an understanding of the microcomputer, this set of lesson cards teaches the beginner how to write simple computer programs in the BASIC language. The learner is also taught to (1) determine what computers can and cannot do; (2) load a tape or…

Learning medical terminology requires an ability to memorize word definitions, to spell the words, and to know the meaning of word parts so that new words can be analyzed. Students who enroll in the medical terminology course at California State University, Fresno, come from a variety of backgrounds, abilities, and directions. Past experience…

Since the role of the adult educator has become so widely accepted as that of facilitator of learning rather than of content-transmitter, educators of adults should enhance their facilitating skills. An important concept for adult education then is self-directed learning, in which the learner plays the central role. The need for self-directed…

This book is designed to teach accounting procedures and product specifications that are needed by the competent purchaser in order to make optimum purchasing decisions basic to a successful food service operation. It may be used by any level of food service personnel that is involved with any phase of the purchasing process. Preferably, the book…

The 10 instructional sections which make up this guide on the operation of a small business from the home are intended for individual use whether in conjunction with an educational program or solo. Each section consists of a list of objectives, informational material, suggested activities, and a list of references. The sections cover the following…

More and more organizations are helping their employees take advantage of new college and university programs that mix a lot of independent study at home with minimal on-campus work. A variety of independent study degree programs and typical students participating in these continuing education programs are described. (MW)

Discusses a program in which the instructor "buys" work from his students for grades. Four pieces of work are required of the student for the semester. Each successive piece of work requires more independent thought, and successfully completed, results in a higher grade. (Author/PG)