Discusses components that guide a teacher in creating a meaningful writing workshop for first graders: developing a trust in and commitment to writing opportunities, encouraging a five-step process of writing, organizing writing materials, providing a predictable routine, and working individually with each child. Emphasizes the importance of…

Describes the self-reported strategies of 30 adults who were independent language learners for a period of 6 months and kept diaries of their language learning experiences. High achievers showed significantly more instances of communication-making and context-making activities, treating language as a medium of communication rather than as a…

A study investigated the independent study and research skills of Year 11 secondary students (n=460) and the research and study skills instruction by teachers (n=54) in the Australian studies component of the Victoria Certificate of Education (VCE) curriculum. Results found many students not competent in using resources independently and few…

Presents a simple technique to encourage independent student work in all subjects and grade levels. A plastic file box is kept for each subject and contains information needed to complete assignments, such as multiplication tables, maps, alphabets, and lists of parts of speech. Notes that using resources to complete assignments independently…

A study contrasted the long-term (one year) retention of material acquired primarily through lectures and assigned independent study readings. Subjects were 16 female 3rd-year medical students. Results indicate the study methods did not differ consistently in knowledge loss or class performance, despite substantial individual differences.…

Drawing primarily from theory and research in the cognitive literature on learning, this paper defines and illustrates the various components of task knowledge and attempts to show the functional relationship between task knowledge and autonomous learning. An approach to learner training that is (task) knowledge based is discussed. (54 references)…

Highlights the unifying role of metacognition in all levels of learner training. The article argues that one of the premises of any self-directed program should be that of enhancing students' metacognition to prepare them for their own learning autonomy. This paper describes an application of this principle including two examples of its use by…

Basic thinking regarding certain aspects of learner autonomy is presented as well as certain cultural traits that may impede the promotion of autonomy. The use of large-scale simulation can create a learning environment that promotes autonomy. It is concluded that concrete acts of taking responsibility imbue the learner with a sense of autonomy.…

With dwindling budgets and multiple demands on their time, teachers find fewer opportunities to stay current in their field. This article describes some principles for self-directed professional development and ways to read journals efficiently. Suggestions are offered for establishing a community of self-directed learner-teachers. (12 references)…

Reports on a project that traced the moment-by-moment thought processes of 17 tertiary students enrolled in undergraduate distance education programs as they interacted with textual materials in private study settings. Data are presented on selected mediating processes, including evaluation, linking, strategy planning, generating, metacognition,…

This article focuses on the importance of acceleration and grouping for gifted students in the context of school reform and recommends a set of decision-making guidelines for each issue including flexibility in entrance and exit requirements for courses, opportunities for telescoping and grade skipping, various forms of grouping, and independent…

To be effective in the current rapidly changing environment, individuals need more than a knowledge base. They also need information literacy which includes techniques for exploring new information, synthesizing it, and using it in practical ways. Undergraduate education should focus on such resource-based learning directed at problem solving.…

The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools believes that programs to improve the undergraduate teaching and learning process should include an appropriate emphasis on information literacy and other resource-based learning strategies. College mission and goal statements and the accreditation process should all reflect this focus.…

Provides 26 strategies for libraries that have chosen the independent learner role and are committed to meeting the needs of young adults. A self-evaluation form on access and a list of the developmental needs of young adolescents are included. (Contains 12 references.) (EAM)

This paper offers suggestions for providing accelerative opportunities for rural gifted students. Guidance is provided on overcoming local barriers and the chronic lack of sufficient resources in rural areas. Strategies incorporating telecommunications, cooperation with other districts and universities, faculty inservices, and community mentoring…