If the learning organization is ever to become a reality and if employees are to be continuous learners, the notion of self-directed learning has to move beyond the buzzword phase and become a major force in employee training. (Author)

Explores whether there are continuities or differences between independent study and project work, using published commentaries, review of independent study degrees in the United Kingdom, and review of models of independent study and project work. Develops a new model, proposing that differences are primarily a matter of degree. Outlines value of…

An inservice teacher certification program was team taught and focused on mixed ability groups and integrated instructional technology. The mix of individual and collaborative approaches was considered the key to success. (SK)

Raises issues about self-directed learning: its relatively unquestioned status, emphasis on individuals, and practices that are not necessarily emancipatory. Reflects on the way language shapes what is known. (SK)

Although online training is causing restructuring in some companies, content is still predominant and can be delivered without the Internet, for example, through self-study books. Companies should deliver training in the best format for their employees. (JOW)

Self-directed learning enables students to guide themselves and monitor their own progress towards specific goals. The positive approach towards self-management in developing alternative strategies to achieve the goals is discussed.

This short paper is a response to Richard Smith's "Abstraction and finitude: education, chance and democracy". In his paper Smith contends that a rationalist agenda dominates education and democracy today, and that this agenda by rendering us insensitive to the tragic dimension of life, breeds a sense of "hubris", or arrogance towards fate which…

This article describes how the performance of music both instigated and enhanced the author's self-study of his work as a lecturer of music education. Through performing Bach's C major prelude from "The Well-Tempered Clavier" and improvising on piano the author was able to identify problems in one of his music education classes and rectify these…

As scholars continue to debate over the specific skills underprepared students need in order to complete their course of study, perhaps the focus should be on how to tap into students' independent thought processes and encourage students to utilize independent thought to contribute to interdependent groups. Placing value on students' independent…

"Breakthrough to Literacy" is a literacy curriculum for preschool through third grade that introduces students to a book-a-week throughout the year. Students gain exposure to the book-of-the-week through multiple formats: a Big Book, a Take-Me-Home Book, an audio book, and a computerized version. The book-of-the-week serves as the basis…

For six weeks, middle school students gathered information about peanuts from a variety of text and media sources to create an original informative book, thereby combining goals in both technology and language arts. By conducting authentic research about one topic for a concentrated period of time, students were able to develop and fine tune their…

Transition from school or college to university is a time of great anxiety for many first-year undergraduates: some studies illustrate the emphasis which students place on finding new friends and securing a consistent social life; the importance of which resonates more with peers than with parents or lecturers. This has to be accomplished…

Teaching in a regular classroom has become more complicated than ever with increased student diversity and pressure to connect learning experiences to educational standards and test preparation. Although teaching to the middle is often what occurs in traditional classrooms to meet required standards, it is neither an appropriate nor meaningful…

The transition to independent scholar is part and parcel of the doctoral education process (Council of Graduate Schools, 2005) as well as an integral part of the socialization process that occurs while in graduate school (Weidman, Twale, & Stein, 2001). This article details the journey toward independence, rooted in the socialization process of…

In 1957, 12 years after the end of World War II, the Ministry of Education issued Circular 323 to promote the development of an element of "liberal studies" in courses offered by technical and further education (FE) colleges in England. This was perceived to be in some ways a peculiar or uncharacteristic development. However, it lasted…