This study found six students (ages 5-7) with multiple disabilities correctly used a choice card to set goals, assign worksheets, complete work, and evaluate results more frequently during independent work sessions that followed a student choice condition than in independent work sessions that followed a teacher choice condition. (Contains 8…

Tested efficacy of self-instruction intervention to reduce avoidable risks for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection associated with drug use and unsafe sexual activity among African-American and Hispanic adolescents (N=60). Outcome findings indicated that participants in two self-instruction conditions improved more between pretest and…

Two studies were conducted to examine the effectiveness of using study guides with learning-disabled, remedial, and regular education students enrolled in secondary social studies and science classes. Results indicated that study guides, whether teacher-directed or student-directed, produced significantly higher performance than self-study.…

Examines the structure, validity, and reliability of Guglielmino's self-directed learning readiness scale. Reviews related literature and refutes Guglielmino's thesis. Reports data derived from an administration of the scale that reveal problems in wording and show that the scale measures a homogeneous construct not associated with readiness for…

Discusses components that guide a teacher in creating a meaningful writing workshop for first graders: developing a trust in and commitment to writing opportunities, encouraging a five-step process of writing, organizing writing materials, providing a predictable routine, and working individually with each child. Emphasizes the importance of…

Describes the self-reported strategies of 30 adults who were independent language learners for a period of 6 months and kept diaries of their language learning experiences. High achievers showed significantly more instances of communication-making and context-making activities, treating language as a medium of communication rather than as a…

A study investigated the independent study and research skills of Year 11 secondary students (n=460) and the research and study skills instruction by teachers (n=54) in the Australian studies component of the Victoria Certificate of Education (VCE) curriculum. Results found many students not competent in using resources independently and few…

Presents a simple technique to encourage independent student work in all subjects and grade levels. A plastic file box is kept for each subject and contains information needed to complete assignments, such as multiplication tables, maps, alphabets, and lists of parts of speech. Notes that using resources to complete assignments independently…

A study contrasted the long-term (one year) retention of material acquired primarily through lectures and assigned independent study readings. Subjects were 16 female 3rd-year medical students. Results indicate the study methods did not differ consistently in knowledge loss or class performance, despite substantial individual differences.…

Drawing primarily from theory and research in the cognitive literature on learning, this paper defines and illustrates the various components of task knowledge and attempts to show the functional relationship between task knowledge and autonomous learning. An approach to learner training that is (task) knowledge based is discussed. (54 references)…

Highlights the unifying role of metacognition in all levels of learner training. The article argues that one of the premises of any self-directed program should be that of enhancing students' metacognition to prepare them for their own learning autonomy. This paper describes an application of this principle including two examples of its use by…

Basic thinking regarding certain aspects of learner autonomy is presented as well as certain cultural traits that may impede the promotion of autonomy. The use of large-scale simulation can create a learning environment that promotes autonomy. It is concluded that concrete acts of taking responsibility imbue the learner with a sense of autonomy.…

With dwindling budgets and multiple demands on their time, teachers find fewer opportunities to stay current in their field. This article describes some principles for self-directed professional development and ways to read journals efficiently. Suggestions are offered for establishing a community of self-directed learner-teachers. (12 references)…

Reports on a project that traced the moment-by-moment thought processes of 17 tertiary students enrolled in undergraduate distance education programs as they interacted with textual materials in private study settings. Data are presented on selected mediating processes, including evaluation, linking, strategy planning, generating, metacognition,…

This article focuses on the importance of acceleration and grouping for gifted students in the context of school reform and recommends a set of decision-making guidelines for each issue including flexibility in entrance and exit requirements for courses, opportunities for telescoping and grade skipping, various forms of grouping, and independent…