Argues that word learnability and ease in the second-language classroom can serve as guidelines in second-language instruction for the following: the selection of words to be taught; the presentation of words; the facilitation of long-term memorization; the development of strategies for self-learning; and the assessment of vocabulary knowledge.…

Proposes client self-instruction during counseling as an appropriate focus for ethogenic research. Summarizes philosophical and historical background; proposes research questions, methods, and designs. Suggests adoption of theoretical and methodological perspectives might lead to a closer dialogue between scientists and practitioners in counseling…

Describes the nature and procedure of individualized inquiry and provides an illustration of its use in one social studies classroom. Steps include problem definition, hypothesis formation, information gathering, data analysis, hypothesis testing, and drawing conclusions. Recommends that teachers select responsible, intellectually capable, and…

This article describes Challenge Education, an instructional approach to student teaching which authentically and directly involves students in their own learning and utilizes the school culture as the learning laboratory. (IAH)

Describes six remedial activities that teachers can use to help their learning-disabled students improve their handwriting. Provides a rationale and a step-by-step example to illustrate how to carry out each activity. (MS)

The relationships between the components of self-regulated learning are investigated, as well as relationships between those components and variables such as educational experience and students' learning styles. A Study Advisory Packet was evaluated. (Author/MLW)

A detailed, nonimpressionistic assessment checklist is presented for teach-yourself language packages. Two example research applications are given: a survey of a range of course packages, and an analysis of the patterns of materials used by an individual learner of Hungarian. (39 references) (Author/LB)

Problem-based learning was used by 43 adult students (31 in independent study, 12 in class). Responses from 28 of first group and 9 of second indicated overall satisfaction with strategy, supporting its use in a liberal learning context. Ways to improve it, such as eliciting learners' hunches and emphasizing knowledge to be gained rather than the…

Explores the assumptions of the teaching-learning process in distance education. Cognitive constructivist learning theory is used to clarify current and emerging assumptions regarding teaching and learning at a distance. Observations are made regarding the role of the teacher and teacher/student interaction and whether print based,…

Discusses the need for research-oriented independent study and claims that universities can provide a client base for such studies. Describes a student-conducted organizational needs assessment for the nonacademic staff of a school within a university. Provides recommendations for planning independent study projects, and includes a sample focus…

Comparison of nineteenth- and twentieth-century promotion of self-help learning shows that the aim and outcome can be socialization and order rather than social advancement and autonomy. Successful self-help schemes are rarely based on self-help alone, which calls into question the morality and financial wisdom of promoting a concept without…

Independent study is actually a range of strategies involving student participation in selecting topics to investigate; designing investigative plans, procedures, and products; establishing and employing evaluative criteria; conducting the investigation; and sharing its findings. This article shows how to gauge student readiness for structured- or…

Describes a study of American Library Association members that gathered data on self-directed, informal, work-related learning. Compares time spent in formal continuing-education activities with self-directed learning (SDL), and examines relationships among variables likely to influence SDL including size of the institution and professional…

A practice-based learning model, involving self-directed learning, critical self-reflection, intentional active learning, and learning community, provides a way to structure informal continuing professional education (CPE) that occurs in practice. As individuals assume more responsibility for their learning, the legitimacy of informal CPE should…

Interviews with adults experienced in foreign language self-instruction generated profiles of language experience at learner and self-instructed language-token levels. Results showed separations between languages with and without self-instruction. The most effective learning route was starting with classwork. Ab initio self-instruction produced…