An innovative program at the Colegio Bolivar school in Cali, Columbia, is described. The private coeducational school offers an enrichment program for selected able students which features developing student interests, library skills, children's literature, and career exploration. (DB)

Responding to Field's criticism of the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS), Guglielmino cites evidence supporting the scale's validity and reliability, Long notes gaps in Field's literature review, and McCune critiques Field's approach to factor analysis in testing the scale. (SK)

Suggests that sometimes making assignments "vague" places the burden of decision making and problem solving on students, requires that students invent and pursue their own questions, and demands that they practice independent thinking. (MS)

Contends that developing a semester-long independent study project is a useful way to motivate students. Argues that giving student the choice and responsibility for selecting a topic of study is highly motivating. (HB)

Based on concern for social work students' abilities in self-directed learning, an orientation module was designed to better prepare students for this learning approach. Design of the orientation and specific classroom techniques are presented. It is noted that the process also raised some issues about the nature of self-directed learning. (MSE)

The strategic planning process of the University System of Georgia Independent Study program includes assessment of undergraduate curriculum, credit equivalency, and enrollment rate; nationwide, faculty, and student surveys on technology in course delivery; and environmental scanning. Negotiation of various interests is an important part. (SK)

Reflecting on the experience of creating a university self-access center in Cambodia, this paper challenges the idea that individual autonomy is a necessary goal in self-access. It proposes ideas for self-access design that offer the prospect of a more friendly environment to learners whose culture and upbringing may predispose them against…

Modifications in content and structure of basic courses in biochemistry are suggested to amend insufficiencies in biochemical education. Presents information on how molecular cell biology course was designed and evaluated to promote self-study. Senior undergraduate tutors were novelty of the course. Students rated the course highly for being…

Reports on a cross-section of high school seniors who were among the 40 students named as finalists in the fiftieth annual science talent search. Presents highlights from interviews with these exceptional teenagers being recognized for their independent research efforts in science, engineering, and mathematics. (JJK)

Described is a senior project course that is intended to prepare graduates for solving problems in a real engineering environment. Students in electronics engineering technology may choose between an independent study option and a structured course in which they design and implement a project in a specified field. The scheduling, evaluation, and…

At South Medford High School, Oregon, all seniors must complete a senior project that requires the following: write a 10-page research paper on a topic of choice; carry out a project that relates to the research; and speak about what they learned from the project and answer questions before a board of judges. Offers tips for starting senior…

The design of instructional and reference materials for French language teaching is discussed, focusing on design principles that facilitate individual, independent learning of vocabulary. (MSE)

A New Jersey high school district built four prototype classrooms to measure the impact of new technology and telecommunication tools on instruction, assess alternative instructional strategies, and determine the training and development needs of the staff. (MLF)

There are numerous major differences between the learning environments of colleges and universities and of the world of work. Graduates' short- and long-term productivity could be enhanced if the transition from one situation to the other were smoother and, if they were better prepared to be competent, self-directed learners. (Author)

Reviews theoretical and research literature on learner strategies and self-directed language learning, particularly concerning the role of metacognitive knowledge in learning. Argues that too little attention is given to the function of metacognition in language learning. Practical implications for second-language instruction are discussed.…