Identifies the distance education learner, examines the approaches and teaching models of various educational theorists to the satisfaction of learners' needs, and relates these approaches particularly to the field of distance education. An extensive bibliography is provided. (EAO)

Discusses some of the ways reading instructors have responded to individual differences in children. Methods described include grouping for instruction, self-selected reading, language-experience reading, individualized instruction, skill development, and computer-assisted instruction. The teacher's role is discussed. (Author/DB)

Describes pedagogical experiment with emphasis on the student and his/her specific needs and motivations. Involves self- and group work with teacher support. Individual work alternates with group work, focusing on production of a project or task corresponding to objectives defined by members of group. (Author/BK)

Research on varying the instructional locus of control between students and teachers indicates that individually-set goals were attained more often by students than those set by their teachers. Students who set their own goals also had better attitudes and higher evaluations. (CJ)

Describes an alternative approach to retraining courses for unemployed executives--management and professional personnel--in which a more personalized, self-pacing learning structure accounts for the unique difficulties of these students. (MF)

Networking is a process in which people and resources are engaged through intentional acts based upon acquired skills. The term is associated with self-directed learning and can serve as a collaborative rather than a competitive educational principle. "People" and "program" networks for graduate education and identification of networking skills…

Physicians need to be proficient in the administration of basic cardiac life support (BCLS) and emergency cardiac care (ECC). The introduction of a self-teaching CPR-ECC course for freshmen medical students at the University of Mississippi has greatly reduced the amount of faculty time needed to teach CPR. (Author/MLW)

A self-instructional health education program that utilizes a slide-tape device was studied to determine whether it could be educationally effective in an ambulatory clinical setting without being an inconvenience to patients. Infant and child nutrition was chosen as the topic to be used in the waiting room of a pediatric clinic. (JMD)

The author believes too much time is spent teaching students to compete for good grades and to prepare for entrance into a good college, and not enough time spent educating for good character, thoughtfulness, and cooperation. He suggests that individuation of learning fosters independence, cooperation, and mutual respect. (KC)

Because of the need for frequent diagnosis and evaluation, many educators are using computer-generated repeatable exams in PSI programs. Such computer-managed instruction being used at the University of Wyoming is described. (LBH)

A Consultancy Service was established by the Open University to deal with foreign requests for advice on the creation and development of distance learning systems. The approach to training courses is described along with examples of courses under development. (LBH)

Examines how faculty at the Pennsylvania State University use electronic resources in planning for their own and their students' research, individual learning, and classroom activities. Also discusses related issues: electronic collections, copyrights, pricing and licensing, faculty computing skills, and the advantages of electronic resources in a…

As Australian teachers negotiate a curriculum in which languages other than English assume the status of key learning area, and as the impact of this development becomes more tangible, language teachers will need to embrace change. Self-directed learning will be significant within this context and self-access packages will provide students with…

Summarizes the important workshops of the 1996 Language Teachers Association of the Northern Territory, Australia. One workshop suggests that every individual possesses a unique blend of seven intelligences. Three others focus on catering to a range of learners through the provision of multimedia tasks, by self-directed learning and through…

Examines whether computer networks can empower second-language learners, focusing on three aspects: autonomy, equality, and learning skills. The article concludes that these networks, appropriately used, can empower students, and provides pedagogical suggestions for effective computer networking in the second- and foreign-language classroom. (66…