Indicates the presence of complex structural, behavioral, and functional relations to understanding. Reports on a design experiment in which 6th grade children learned about the human respiratory system by designing artificial lungs and building partial working models. Makes suggestions for successful learning from design activities. (Contains 44…

Investigates the effect of implementing cooperative versus individual learning and orienting activities during computer-based instruction (CBI). Results indicated that students who received instructional objectives performed significantly better on posttests than students who received either advance organizers or no orienting activities. Learning…

Defines the components of self-regulation ability--learners' ability to participate actively in their learning: as strategic knowledge, self-efficacy, ownership, mastery orientation, and self-reflection. Presents guidelines for promoting self-regulation ability through instructional design that incorporates these components. (AEF)

At Lowell Elementary School, gifted and highly motivated students from Tacoma (Washington) elementary schools come together to work on projects and develop their skills in creative thinking, critical thinking, problem solving, and group interaction. Projects draw on student interests to foster motivation, independent and cooperative study, and…

Investigates the notion of autonomy in relation to distance language learning, and examines the skills and strategies needed by those learning at a distance in order to achieve successful outcomes. Explores in particular the dilemma posed by the highly structured nature of open university language courses and the need for learners to develop…

The learning activities and styles of 398 gifted and nongifted Hong Kong Chinese secondary students were assessed using the Chinese version of the Learning Styles Inventory. Gifted students indicated significantly greater preferences for learning styles related to interpersonal verbal exchanges and autonomous learning than typical students.…

Describes a study of Australian post-secondary technology students that tested learning preferences using the Canfield Learning Styles Inventory. Topics include gender differences, age group differences, print versus nonprint, collaborative versus dependent learning, self-directed learning, and implications for the design of flexible delivery.…

This paper focuses on the effectiveness and feasibility of two different kinds of individual learners' support in software training in undergraduate classroom settings. Describes varied user interfaces, including a training wheels interface; compares tutor instruction versus self-learning material; and considers learning time, learning outcomes,…

Examines the rationale behind the Self-Access Language Learning Center at the University of Abertay Dundee (Scotland), outlines some practical considerations, and looks for future developments. The growth in popularity of self-access learning is due to the fact that it is learner centered and to the flexibility it offers over entirely class-based…

A survey of 139 faculty at a Canadian university concerning support for self-directed learning (SDL) found the majority did not support SDL. Among those who were fully supportive, instructional practices did not always exemplify their convictions. Implications for the ways in which SDL is conceptualized in the adult education literature and…

Examines the effectiveness of active learning implemented in two undergraduate programs at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Discusses student attitudes and the Study Process Questionnaire that measured student approaches to learning and reports that active learning helped in the development of independent learning skills and the ability to…

Provides an interactive model of faculty development which draws from research on adult education and staff development. Argues that in order to improve the quality of undergraduate education college administrators can no longer assume that faculty will learn their craft on their own; they must provide time, opportunity and support. Contains 1…

Describes a study that analyzed how students in three different Swedish university programs conceived of the meaning of problem-based learning and how they experienced their studies within a problem-based learning program. Discusses learning in context, social interaction, meta-cognitive reasoning and self-directed learning, and academic cultures.…

Reports on a classroom-based project exploring the learning experiences of 30 Japanese English-as-Second-Language (ESL) exchange students in an environment highlighting learner autonomy and the use of technology. Describes a model that was implemented in three multimedia lab classes of two content-based language courses in a sheltered immersion…

Four experiments tested the self-teaching hypothesis of word learning. Findings indicated that: (1) minimizing phonological processing significantly attenuated orthographic learning; (2) reduced orthographic learning was not attributable to alternative factors; and (3) contribution of pure visual exposure to orthographic learning is marginal. It…