Based on evaluation of an Open University independent study course used in a conventional setting at the University of Essex, this paper focuses on: the relationship of the student's choice of learning strategy with the requirements of the task; the student's ability to adapt his strategy; task restrictions; and the student's view of learning.…

An eclectic approach to individualizing instruction in secondary schools is suggested which includes the following classroom strategies: experiential learning, mastery learning, learning centers, peer and cross-age tutoring, and independent study. (JMF)

Discusses students' current methods of studying physics, and offers concrete tips to guide them in studying physics effectively. (GA)

Describes a resource room designed to provide credit in physical geology through independent work. Use of the room correlates positively with exam scores. (MA)

Presents a practical method for implementing independent study into a continuing education program in nursing; discussion covers goal attainment and the use of a learning contract. (WL)

A Personalized Study Program (PSP) was implemented in 1974 at Ohio State for all students on the psychiatry clerkship. PSP included an assigned textbook and syllabus of reading assignments, private meetings with tutors, standardized practice quizzes, optional use of other opportunities, and a written final exam. Its success is noted. (LBH)

Describes a technique for teaching history to gifted students in which the student selects a current event and then researches the event's historical connections as far back as possible. (DB)

Reviews software programs for second language learners. "The Interactive Picture Dictionary" provides spelling assistance and vocabulary extension in a learner-oriented context. "WordSmith Tools" contains six programs focusing mainly on lexical analysis. "LANSchool" permits teachers to broadcast programs on the…

Discusses instructional delivery models and their physiology in distributed learning systems. Highlights include building delivery models; types of delivery models, including distributed classroom, self-training on the Web, online training, communities of practice, and performance support systems; and actors (users) involved, including experts,…

This article on collection development focuses on English as a Second Language (ESL) materials for public libraries. Highlights include supporting local school curriculum; independent study materials; criteria for selection; weeding guidelines; Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); and an annotated bibliography that includes printed…

Technological tools (e.g., electronic data bases, computer-aided instructional software, interactive video systems, spreadsheets, simulation and modeling software, graphic calculators) can work toward making learning more independent, individualized, interactive, interdisciplinary, and intuitive. (DB)

Discusses the significance to language acquisition of pushing for comprehensible output. Three issues are examined: (1) comprehensible output and negative input, (2) comprehensible and incomprehensible output, and (3) comprehensible output and comprehensible input. (28 references) (GLR)

In the wake of New York State's action plan to raise graduation standards, New York City's public schools have struggled to meet the new mandates and still provide adequate remedial services to students who need them. Offering alternative crediting through independent and group work is proving successful. (MLH)

The Intifadeh, Palestinian, uprising against Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, has become a catalyst for educational change. Palestinian methods of coping with an educational system controlled by outsiders include informal, community-based education; alternative instruction based on existing textbooks; and long-term planning as part of…

A study of fourth- and fifth-graders' critical thinking skills revealed that those subjects who participated in small-group discussions encouraging self-directed critical thinking skills were better able to apply the skills than were students who were asked to solve a problem individually. (Author/CB)