Compared the relative effectiveness of teacher-administered and self-administered procedures on spelling for four educationally handicapped children using a modified reversal design. Found teacher- and self-administered interventions resulted in gains in performance, although self-administered procedures during treatment phases produced greater…

Describes two studies which evaluated procedures supplemental to instructor-set and student-set deadlines in a self-paced psychology course. One procedure required students to report their progress on quizzes, while the other required them to meet all deadlines. Concludes that both measures reduced procrastination through increased pacing rates…

Examination of the effectiveness of a classroom approach to foreign language (Spanish) learning indicated that, although students apparently preferred to work in groups, there was no significant difference between achievement of students who worked in groups or those who worked independently. (CB)

Defines self-directed learning and explores its importance for elementary education. Focuses on ways in which classroom practices and conditions can encourage or discourage capabilities and dispositions to engage in self-directed learning. Describes the ideal classroom environment with respect to demands, supports, opportunity, and goal structure.…

Curriculum units for gifted third-graders (N=48) were judged effective if gifted students receiving instruction outperformed gifted students not receiving instruction and also nongifted students receiving instruction. One unit was successful in teaching new concepts but not in developing higher levels of thought; inconclusive results were obtained…

The hypothesis that self-monitoring and goal setting enhance students' learning in private study was tested. Subjects were college students blocked into three groups on the basis of their academic achievement, prior to college admission. The three treatment groups scored higher in the final examination, supporting the hypothesis. (LMO)

This article argues that self-directed learning should be viewed not as the application of a particular technique but as the capacity of adults for critical self-reflection and for changing their lives. The author speculates on the purposes, processes, and conditions required for learning aimed at such awareness. (CT)

An interventionist approach focusing primarily on effective test-taking methods, but also emphasizing self-assessment and self-directed learning, was employed in efforts to enhance a class of medical technology students' performance on the American Society of Clinical Pathologists Registry Examination for medical technologists. (Author/CT)

Children's instructional play and adults' self-education are activities characterized by learning without conventional teaching and by interactional variables. Because both child and adult perceive that they have learned "on their own," play as a form of "curriculum" may serve as an important simulation for later, self-directed…

Describes the use of role playing to promote critical thinking and retention. Recommends a specific format--that of a legislative hearing--for the activity. (CH)

Describes the use of a self-study videocassette course on planning and presenting video training to teach organizational subject matter experts (SMEs) how to develop training materials on videotape. A preproduction timetable is included which lists events and when they should be scheduled prior to production day. (MBR)

Discusses the importance of reading as a learning method for physicians. Examines the amount of print material the physician receives, reading patterns, personal libraries, the effect of aging on physician reading, specialty differences related to reading, and differences in reading related to practice setting. (CT)

The Learning Exchange Network is explored to show how it (1) takes advantage of the strong points of the previous models for self-directed learners; (2) counters the liabilities of the previous models; (3) serves the smaller populations of semirural areas; and (4) includes an implementation plan. The practicality of the network is discussed. (CT)

Providing students in a personalized system of instruction course with a pacing contingency for a portion of the course was found to help students better manage their time and organize their study behaviors. (RM)

Staff were taught use of training and self-management skills through a sequence of written instructions, videotaped and live modeling, rehearsal, and videotaped feedback. Results indicated that staff learned to use the training skills appropriately and consistently, applied the skills in the generalization situations, and maintained skills with…