Considers how the ability for self-direction is one principle of lifelong learning, but the reality that students are at various stages of dependence means that online teachers need to recognize the variety of learners present in their online classrooms and implement strategies to guide them toward such independent learning. Outlines a sequence of…

A group of eight gifted junior high students was presented programed units of psychology instruction based on Fred Keller's model of personalized instruction. Compared to a control group which received traditional lecture-format instruction, subjects completed the material in less time and scored significantly higher on the final test. (Author/JDD)

The Center for Autonomous Learning is designed to serve as a creative base for gifted students to learn through independent study, as they choose a topic of interest, determine questions that need to be answered, collect data, complete various activities, present the project to an audience, and have the project evaluated. (JDD)

Describes a program of individualized teacher education based on self-directed learning and emphasizing "learning how to learn." Discusses the place of learning strategies, the professor, entry competency rating, field studies, a learning portfolio, and practical field experience in the program. Reports a successful pilot implementation. Contains…

Argues that word learnability and ease in the second-language classroom can serve as guidelines in second-language instruction for the following: the selection of words to be taught; the presentation of words; the facilitation of long-term memorization; the development of strategies for self-learning; and the assessment of vocabulary knowledge.…

Proposes client self-instruction during counseling as an appropriate focus for ethogenic research. Summarizes philosophical and historical background; proposes research questions, methods, and designs. Suggests adoption of theoretical and methodological perspectives might lead to a closer dialogue between scientists and practitioners in counseling…

Describes the nature and procedure of individualized inquiry and provides an illustration of its use in one social studies classroom. Steps include problem definition, hypothesis formation, information gathering, data analysis, hypothesis testing, and drawing conclusions. Recommends that teachers select responsible, intellectually capable, and…

This article describes Challenge Education, an instructional approach to student teaching which authentically and directly involves students in their own learning and utilizes the school culture as the learning laboratory. (IAH)

Describes six remedial activities that teachers can use to help their learning-disabled students improve their handwriting. Provides a rationale and a step-by-step example to illustrate how to carry out each activity. (MS)

The relationships between the components of self-regulated learning are investigated, as well as relationships between those components and variables such as educational experience and students' learning styles. A Study Advisory Packet was evaluated. (Author/MLW)

A detailed, nonimpressionistic assessment checklist is presented for teach-yourself language packages. Two example research applications are given: a survey of a range of course packages, and an analysis of the patterns of materials used by an individual learner of Hungarian. (39 references) (Author/LB)

Problem-based learning was used by 43 adult students (31 in independent study, 12 in class). Responses from 28 of first group and 9 of second indicated overall satisfaction with strategy, supporting its use in a liberal learning context. Ways to improve it, such as eliciting learners' hunches and emphasizing knowledge to be gained rather than the…

Explores the assumptions of the teaching-learning process in distance education. Cognitive constructivist learning theory is used to clarify current and emerging assumptions regarding teaching and learning at a distance. Observations are made regarding the role of the teacher and teacher/student interaction and whether print based,…

Discusses the need for research-oriented independent study and claims that universities can provide a client base for such studies. Describes a student-conducted organizational needs assessment for the nonacademic staff of a school within a university. Provides recommendations for planning independent study projects, and includes a sample focus…

Comparison of nineteenth- and twentieth-century promotion of self-help learning shows that the aim and outcome can be socialization and order rather than social advancement and autonomy. Successful self-help schemes are rarely based on self-help alone, which calls into question the morality and financial wisdom of promoting a concept without…