Three alternative instructional methods (instructor demonstration, demonstration plus independent study, and slide-tape presentation) for a basic food preparation laboratory were developed to facilitate the increased student achievement levels. Student performance, attitudinal, time, and cost data showed differences in effectiveness among the…

Essays are presented in which the authors offer four entirely separate perspectives on the issue of correspondence study's image. The authors examine the defensiveness of some of correspondence study's practitioners, the role of scholarship in correspondence study's image, the lack of such scholarship in the United States, and university-level…

Discusses various elements of self-directed education for lifelong education: the nature and essence of self-instruction, self-instruction and the development of personality, motivation for self-instruction, forms of self-instruction, and participation in self-instruction activities. (CT)

Identifies predictors of participation in educational activities by active older adults and describes the educational needs addressed by their present participation and their future learning needs. Awareness of sites where educational activities were available was found to be the best predictor of participation. (Author/CT)

This study investigated whether using learning contracts in higher education enhances adults' readiness and competencies for self-directed learning. Findings suggest that the use of learning contracts has little impact on developing readiness for self-directedness, but does have some impact on developing competencies for self-directed learning.…

Course content in professional education is a weak indicator of whether the student will develop professional competence. An independent study course available in London for professionals emphasizes development of cognitive abilities to organize and present complex information and to learn inductively from experience, accurate empathy, proactive…

A study of the impact of a self-directed contract learning course on participants' pre- and post-course scores on the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale, course evaluations, and student attitudes as reflected in diaries is reported, along with a discussion of the findings' significance for understanding self-directed learning. (MSE)

Describes how New Mexico's Section 310 personnel reviewed the literature on self-directed learning and devised strategies for integrating self-directed learning into staff development training. Their plan for accomplishing this is described. (Author/CT)

Describes techniques in which students learn to: (1) create elemental "fairy tales" based on the geochemical behavior of elements and on imagination to integrate concepts; (2) to visually eliminate problems of bias; and (3) to utilize multiple working hypotheses as a basis for testing concepts of classification and distinguishing…

Addresses the practical validity of self-instruction training as an intervention for severely disabled children. Three issues are examined: (1) the development of verbal strategies adaptable to children with knowledge deficits, (2) the effects of generalization training, and (3) the role of self-talk (verbalization) in self-instruction. Four…

"Independent learning" has become a catchphrase in Britain's Open University, especially since a 1984 report recommending that courses be designed and taught so that students can become progressively independent as learners. Although the phrase means many things to different people, it also provides an opportunity to appraise teaching…

Describes a study conducted to determine whether adjunct postquestions induced mathemagenic behaviors to contribute to more effective learning from the self-instructional slide-tape presentation. Another purpose was to determine whether the effect of adjunct postquestions would be more beneficial for lower-ability students than for upper-ability…

A study of family history is suggested as a catalyst for motivating middle grade students and for effecting learning simultaneously. Numerous activities for adding interest and for expanding learning opportunities are offered. (DG)

The author reviews trends in the curriculum field, pointing out how it suffers from "ahistoricism." Schools must be responsible for countering cycles and fashions. Curriculum reform efforts should be an attempt to solve problems based on knowledge from previous experience. (MD)

The Challenge education program for student teachers entails selecting and performing challenging tasks in six areas: cognitive development, logical inquiry, adventure, creativity, practical skill, and volunteer service. The program is credited with helping break down sex-role stereotypes, building a sense of accomplishment, and developing…