Discusses theories of learning; reviews previous generalizations for instructional design; and presents 21 guidelines for effective instructional design that are related to planning, preparation, implementation, and evaluation. Highlights include objectives; learner profiles; cognitive maps or schema; mastery learning techniques; metacognitive…

Focuses on the development process that culminated in a successful, two-semester, weekend college elementary French course. The article outlines the challenges encountered, the characteristics of the multimedia approach chosen to meet these challenges, and the "andragogical" approach used to adapt this methodology to learner needs. (27 references)…

German practices in the field of learning disabilities are described in the context of their historical formation and definitional implications. Educational practices and emerging trends such as new functional categories, provision of support services in integrated settings, individualized instruction, and independent study are considered. (DB)

The Academic Mentoring Program of Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky, is an honors-level independent study program that allows students to pursue an idea beyond regular classroom opportunities. Students pursue their independent projects with the help of mentors from appropriate fields of study, and they are also taught critical and…

Study examined the impact of decision-making instruction which incorporated self-control techniques and instruction which provided only encouragement and verbal praise on decision making in leisure (DML) on adolescents with mild mental retardation. Results support the efficacy of the DML model in facilitating thoughtful DML for study subjects. (SM)

Use of television as material for French second-language instruction is explored. It is proposed that, over the course of a three-year sequence, students can progress through three stages of listening comprehension skill development: discovery of the medium's unique characteristics; autonomy and mastery in its use; and familiarity. (MSE)

A study of the processes of curriculum and instructional development in the first-year public administration program at Melchester Polytechnic (England) drew on interviews with faculty. It is concluded that curricular and instructional change is intensely political and dependent on the organizational climate for change. (Author/MSE)

Considers three main components of self-directed learning: (1) topic knowledge; (2) procedural skills; and (3) self-monitoring. The role of computer-assisted instruction in autonomous learning is discussed, software that fosters independent problem solving is reviewed, and it is recommended that computers be incorporated in courses emphasizing…

Reviews the opportunities for and obstacles to promoting independent learning at the middle grades level. Proposes the substitution of compensatory practices that discourage self-directed learning activities, such as test review handouts, with instructional practices that support independent learning activities, such as performance feedback and…

Describes a beginning conducting course at the University of Kansas that utilizes self-instruction through the use of video programing. The course includes 12 videotaped modules presented weekly, providing students with a visual model to review their performance. Finds that students gain basic competency in terminology, transposition, and…

College faculty applying for the National Endowment for the Humanities' Summer Stipend Program for independent study and research are usually nominated by their institutions. Nomination procedures used by institutions that consistently nominate successful applicants are described, and the research administrator's role in the process is discussed.…

After participating in a 3-week individually paced precalculus or science course, 892 academically talented high school students were surveyed. Findings indicated that most students received credit or placement or both for their independent work. Placement/credit was related to Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, gender, type of school, and grade…

Examined whether the teacher-guided and student-independent practice and evaluation tasks recommended in basal teachers' manuals promote the application of two reading comprehension skills (main idea and cause-effect). Findings suggest that recommended basal tasks are not likely to promote the development of these skills. (MM)

Describes a pilot project at London Guildhall University Students Union (United Kingdom) that helps students acquire an understanding of independent learning through experiential learning facilitated by student mentors via a peer support dedicated intranet Web site. Discusses learning and study skills, technical constraints, and student…

Distance education is not a new concept; it first appeared in the 19th century in the United States and Europe as correspondence courses. Despite the wide publicity and apparent demand for current technology-driven, Internet-based distance education, it has limitations. Higher education should be aware of these and use it appropriately. (MSE)