The authors discuss positive and negative implications of learning contracts for classroom oriented programs. They show how themes and purposes can be organized within learning contracts, using examples from courses at Empire State College in New York. For journal availability, see SO 505 438. (Author/AV)

The contract learning laboratory program utilized during the 1974-75 academic year is described, including specially-designed experiments and typical results. A student evaluation of the program is also given. (LBH)

The instructional effectiveness of two different presentation methods (lecture and self-paced or modularized) was examined using two groups of pharmacy students. Little or no difference was found in this study of junior and senior students at Oregon State University. (LBH)

Some of the effects of deafness are examined in the context of learning and suggestions are offered for identifying and alleviating them. Up to 200 Open University students could benefit from special services such as those described in the six case studies in this article. They all received transcripts of radio and television programs to…

Student response to student-centered learning at the Open University was surveyed in a questionnaire sent to all students completing a course called "Man-made Futures: Design and Technology." It was found that student projects are popular, regarded as difficult but satisfactory, and require tutorial support. (LBH)

This study investigated the perceived value (after several years) of a year-long independent study/mentorship course provided to 90 gifted high school students. Respondents reported that the course had improved their self-esteem; that the mentor was a significant influence and helped in "real life" learning; and that the course helped in career…

Presents accumulated insights for benefit of colleagues considering embarking on software development projects. Original purpose of project was to produce a set of grammar revision and extension modules allowing teachers to use computers as a means of ensuring that once a language point had been dealt with in class, students could be required to…

Since 1993, an Israeli junior high school has been conducting a regional computer communications class with a special multimedia-based curriculum. Students express what they know via text, videos, pictures, sound, and animation and demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge in research and documentary projects. Although staff encountered some…

Addresses issues arising from the application of a learning model to the Greek public administration system. Suggests a process of organizational self-learning that is capable of transforming a state bureaucracy into a self-referential organization. The process of self-learning is based on a repeating cycle of knowing, reflecting, understanding,…

Discusses a multimedia approach to the learning activities involved in studying English as a Second Language that offers students individualized instruction and an opportunity for developing their learning strategies independently in a private setting. This approach presupposes the value of authentic materials, prior knowledge, and microlistening…

A self-help approach used to enhance medical students' self-directed learning (SDL) skills in an elective course resulted in increased student feelings of self-efficacy, and the self-ratings had significant relationships to measures of deep approach to study. Academic achievement was higher for this group than for controls. Some conditions…

Provides an overview of the PROLIB and EDULIB projects, which involved the development and delivery of distance learning courses in the Slovak language to library and information professionals in the Slovak Republic. Explains the combination of face-to-face lecture sessions, group discussions, self-study workbooks, and computer-mediated Internet…

Discusses electronic learning and what makes it different from learning in traditional classrooms. Topics include information architecture; user interface design; the importance of focusing on content; constructivism; self-directed learning; learning motivation; reflective approach; learning styles; and experiential learning. (LRW)

A peer-tutoring project in undergraduate mathematics at a university in the United Kingdom was designed both to provide support for independent learning tasks and for group projects. A survey of students found that while most liked and felt they benefited from the group experience, most also did not like the independent learning tasks. (Author/MSE)

Describes the development, purpose, and content of an independent-study course developed by academic librarians from ten colleges and universities in Utah and taught via the World Wide Web. "Internet Navigator" emphasizes information literacy rather than Internet mechanics. Discusses student and faculty responses, collaboration, and…