The author reviews the advantages and disadvantages of homework in secondary schools. He argues for a policy of clear assignments geared to the developmental levels of the students: brief, structured tasks for younger students moving toward self-directed projects in the higher grades. (SJL)

Reports on a seven year study indiating that adults each year conduct five learning projects, each one requiring an average of one hundred hours. While some projects rely on instructors and classes and some on friends and peer groups, over 70 percent are self-planned. Some high priority directions for the future are suggested. (Author/CSS)

Describes a Keller Plan program for teaching thermodynamics to college students. The outcome is improvement in study habits, and a more positive attitude towards examinations, but less performance in problem solving ability than via traditional approach. (Author/GA)

Studies which examine student withdrawals and procrastination in self-paced (SP) psychology courses indicate that: (1) withdrawal is correlated with inferior academic performance, (2) early performance appears to be predictive of later performance, (3) and SP instruction produces better performance for students with weak academic records. It is…

Considering the "tyranny of distance" in all Australian public service, campus-based educational systems have limited relevance outside the cities. The authors describe the existing tertiary educational system and its experimental alternative framework (the inversion of the original), the Open Learning Project. However, the future of…

The author describes and gives examples of his Optional Assignments Method (OAM) system of individualized instruction for postsecondary basic drafting courses. The OAM system allows students to begin and complete the course at any time and to work at their own pace. (MF)

Psychiatry instruction was divided into three components: basic information taught in a self-instructional format; experiential content (e.g., counseling and interviewing skills) taught with instructor feedback; and training in psychiatric data collection and diagnosis integrated in the self-instructional unit. Course use at Utah and student…

Small group teaching, with four stages of student participation, individual work, work in pairs, work in small groups of 4-6 members, and reporting back to the whole group, is adapted to the lecture situation allowing the lecturer to intervene at each stage to direct progress toward previously-determined objectives. (JMD)

Information is provided about enrollment rates in the less commonly taught language classes. An innovative language education method, the Self-Instructional Language Program (SILP), is described. (SW)

After noting the lack of English requirements for vocational education students, the author discusses how to organize an independent study plan which will permit them to continue their study of English on many different planes. Discussion covers developing a student contract, determining credit, and assigning grades. (SH)

A rationale for and an example (biology study) of non-direct instruction (self-directed, independent study) for gifted students are presented, focusing on program objectives, students' individual needs, a vertical timetable for organization, and various units of work. (CB)

Project DIG (Discovering Industries in the Ground) was a pilot program in Portage County, Ohio, involving gifted/talented high school students who gathered information from guest speakers, participated in field trips and an onsite archaeological excavation, wrote research papers, and shared experiences with gifted elementary students and the…

Poland's system for identifying and developing talent in its youth is described, including the experimental flexible curriculum that is now being extended to all students. (MSE)

The author discusses issues in the development of admissions tests by home study schools. He covers the construction of tests, emphasizing (1) consistency, (2) validity, and (3) normative data sampling. (CH)