Describes a study to determine if time spent in modular instruction is related to improvement in performance on weekly tests or final examinations across four years in a course on plant anatomy taught by Self-Instructional Modules and Interactive small Group discussion (SIMIG). Twenty-one references are listed. (Author/CHC)

An interview with Seymour Papert, an advocate of computer instruction for children and colleague of Jean Piaget, focused on questions concerning: (1) schools' use of computers; (2) teacher preparation for computer technology in the classroom; (3) importance of students and teachers learning to program; and (4) methods of computer assistance in…

Preprogram, field experience, and postprogram activities (e.g., community study skill development, communication skill development, orientation assignments, the university environment abroad, the family home-stay, work experiences, independent projects) can be used to enhance the value of cross-cultural experiences. (MSE)

Describes Coastline Community College, California, a noncampus, community-based, comprehensive college, in terms of its: (1) use of existing community facilities; (2) administrative organization; (3) open admissions policies; (4) services to the elderly; (5) comprehensive curriculum; (6) telecourses and independent study courses; (7) primarily…

A list is presented of special factors pertaining to English as a foreign language class in England that provide strong arguments for organizing them along resource-based learning situations. Students can be in control of their studies, engaging in independent, individual work. (SW)

Describes the African language program at Michigan State University, which provides (1) supervised, individualized instruction for high-demand languages, on two levels; (2) regular classroom instruction for Swahili and Hausa; and (3) non-credit, self-instructional programs for low-demand languages. Sample forms are appended. (AM)

Described are some of the teaching innovations used in a large university chemistry department in Britain. They include diagnostic testing and individual tutoring; self-instruction centers for remedial teaching, complementary services, and specialist materials; new laboratory approaches; and innovations to develop skills needed by chemistry…

Presents a framework for teaching elementary school students to use the Internet in a one-computer classroom. Levels of activities include a class lesson with a functional Web site; class surfing, e-mail, and search engines; group researching; collecting data; and independent research. (LRW)

Founded in 1975 as a magnet school, Isaac Dickson school adopted the Foxfire approach in 1992. Instead of a one-size-fits-all process, students participate in planning their own learning, and teachers serve as facilitators, ensuring that each learner has developmentally appropriate subject matter and resources. Test scores verify that this…

Discusses the creation of a reading niche for second-language learners to motivate their development as independent readers, emphasizing that book selection for this niche should cater to student interests and that informal discussion of the books' subject matter should take place. (six references) (CK)

The program used by French-language teachers at the University of Lausanne (Switzerland) to develop software for students' independent study is described, and the process of creating an interactive exercise is illustrated. The ease and flexibility of authoring is highlighted. (MSE)

Describes a prototype of computer-assisted language learning software, "BUSCA," that attempts to bridge the gap between commercially available, but pedagogically unsound, Spanish Foreign Language learning programs. The article notes that "BUSCA" is designed to be integrated into a formal course to assist students to become…

Interviews with students at an alternative high school for at-risk students in Estes Park, Colorado, reveal their attitudes toward learning, the instructional program, and the learning environment. Finds, for example, that students value teachers who care and hands-on learning experiences. (PKP)

Reports on a study which evaluated student attitudes toward a new bibliographic instruction (BI) manual designed to address their individual needs and compares the results with those of previous studies on BI methods, i.e., lecture and discussion practicum versus a self-guided workbook. It is concluded that the new manual is regarded more…

Men and women (N=60) who had begun doctoral studies between ages of 37 and 48, half in traditional and half in self-directed learning (SDL) programs, completed 2 questionnaires. Significant ego development was found in the nonauthoritarian SDL environments, which were challenging and nurturing and fostered content mastery, skill acquisition, and…