Explored the relationship between personality type and self-directedness in learning in 76 adult degree students. Results showed two personality dimensions strongly correlated with self-directed learning: an intuitive approach toward information gathering and a judging orientation toward subsequent action in the outer world. (Author/ABL)

An education professor describes bewildered responses to basic, if annoying, questions he asks regarding education's role and purpose. There is probably no single thing that everyone has to know. Education is a lifetime, seamless experience, connecting individual episodes into an ever-expanding web of meaning, insight, and understanding. Teachers…

Provides vignettes of self-directed discovery time in a preprimary classroom to see how to generate mathematically valuable experiences. (MKR)

This literature review shows that independent learning and self-improvement were promoted in early nineteenth-century Canada. However, learner autonomy in the working classes faltered in the face of lack of resources and political opposition. (SK)

Examines three aspects of computer technology that allow learners to develop cognitive and metacognitive skills and that facilitate learner autonomy: database organization in a self-access facility, computer-assisted language learning, and the use of menus to organize programs and files. An argument is made that technology should neither control…

One source of differences between the highest and lowest achieving children is the degree of self-regulated learning that occurs. High achievers engage in goal setting, planning, questioning, and other behaviors. By observing how children approach tasks and resisting the urge to "think for" less self-directed learners, teachers can help…

Independent reading by medical students beyond formal classroom activities is considered central to medical education. This study examines self-directed study among third-year students in a six-year medical program. Students averaged 151 minutes daily on independent study using lecture notes, textbooks, and reading articles. Suggests ways to…

Looks at the elaboration and exploration of content in the Swahili learning site SALAMA. Identifies within SALAMA design and implementation methods that ardently and perennially seek to lead learners to evolve learning habits of their own beyond formal instruction and textbooks. (Author/VWL)

Structure plays an important role in current efforts to transform traditional classrooms into collaborative, self-directed learning communities. Teachers work with students to create a sense of order based on shared understandings. The resulting structure has three characteristics: a well-organized classroom environment, predictable daily…

Describes the Anatomical Computer (CD-ROM) that was designed as a self-study aid for undergraduate and graduate students in anatomy. Provides text with illustrations, definitions along with summary charts, and more than a thousand test questions. Provides a valuable resource for human gross anatomy review. (JRH)

Discusses teaching lab science as a telecourse, particularly with the screening process used to identify and counsel students who are best suited to this learning modality. Concludes that some students are not suited to distance learning because they are not mature enough to schedule their own study time so they do not like to work independently.…

Discusses the provision of Internet-based distance learning courses in the library and information science field and investigates the current market situation for online courses. Highlights include types of courses, including self-instruction courses, short credit courses, and full degree programs; Web site characteristics; technical issues;…

Offers some suggestions that can be used to maximize the literacy learning that can and needs to occur during independent learning time. Presents three possible classroom organizational structures, and elaborates on the one that many teachers are (re)discovering: learning centers. Concludes that independent activities must set up children for…

Discusses distance education and the need for an accepted theory. Highlights include theories of independent study; theory of industrialization of teaching; theory of interaction and communication; and equivalency theory that is based on local control, personalized instruction, and telecommunications. (LRW)

Describes in detail three informal learning strategies used to facilitate spiritual development: mentoring, self-directed learning, and dialogue. Suggests that these strategies are interrelated and incorporate segments of each other. (SK)