There are several distinct reasons for writing as a participant-observer. In general, the choice lies among four broad kinds of writing that differ according to role, purpose, and audience. Diary writing can record and clarify for the student what went on, possibly with a privileged reader in mind who will have a sympathetic understanding. The log…

This paper analyzes teaching and training in terms of certain basic functions and the typical contingencies that affect those functions in practice. Section 1 shows the interrelationships of teaching, training, and learning. Section 2 explores the kinds of learning problems that the independent learner faces and how a planned course can help to…

The Center for Distance Learning of Empire State College (New York) is piloting online study by offering a course in contemporary American diplomacy entirely through the use of computer conferencing and electronic mail. The computer is used to create a learning environment where course participants can interact with each other and with the…

Many commericially available computer programs contain test-type materials, and some courseware makes use of testing techniques as an instructional device. The area in which testing techniques are used most effectively for teaching is self-instruction. Most microcomputers operate using the BASIC language, but authoring languages are the most…

A report is given on a program of fellowships, administered by the Council for Basic Education, for independent study in the humanities by high school teachers. Major and supplementary funding for the fellowships is provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Esther A. and Joseph Klingenstein…

Directions in self-directed learning for adults and perspectives for the future are discussed. The following five movements in self-directed learning are considered: the Knowles Group Learning Stream, the Tough Adult Learning Projects Stream, individualized programmed instruction, nontraditional institutional arrangements, and heuristic life…

The development and extension of open learning systems in British institutions of further and higher education has given rise to a need for changes in the methods of recording student progress. Open learning systems' provision of a wide flexibility of pace so that students can extend or compress their periods of study as compared with traditional…

Author provided teachers of English with an impressive annotated list of books centering on world literature. (Editor/RK)

Described is an independent study project for students in chemistry at New College, Sarasota, Florida. Six students collected and analyzed local plants to determine content of alkaloids, terpenes, and flavonoids. (RH)

A library-based, individualized approach to teaching Freshman English in a junior college is described. (PF)

The present study was designed to investigate the relationship of birth order to achievement motivation and achievement-related variables employing a random sample of students enrolled in the courses offered through the United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) in 1970. (Author)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of materials developed for self instruction for a college course in educational measurement. (Author/RK)

The objective of the study reported was to develop and to evaluate a multifaceted teaching program in gastroenterology for second-year students of medicine. Critical information is defined in a narrative, problem-oriented, pathophysiological core syllabus. (Editor)

An analysis of the general conditions and problems involved in independent study systems, restricting discussion to the adult sector, by considering TELE-CNAM. (Author)

This study examined the selflearning and educational patterns of selected respondents in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania who have used library resources on a continuing basis. The content of learning projects emerged from real-life negotiations and ranged across the transactional environment. Episodes--consulting people, reading, browsing,…