Describes two studies which evaluated procedures supplemental to instructor-set and student-set deadlines in a self-paced psychology course. One procedure required students to report their progress on quizzes, while the other required them to meet all deadlines. Concludes that both measures reduced procrastination through increased pacing rates…

Offers suggestions for using the newspaper to help learning disabled students improve their reading, language arts, and mathematics skills. (ARH)

Indiana spent more than $100 million in past three years on Prime Time, program to reduce class size in the primary grades. Data show that in classrooms with 18 to 22 students, the atmosphere is less hectic, teacher morale is higher, instruction is more individualized, and students (particularly those at risk) are better achievers. Includes five…

Ways are highlighted in which videodiscs can be utilized to individualize the pace of student learning, ranging from concept learning to simulation of client-worker interactions, and to enhance the transfer of new learning from the classroom to beginning professional encounters. (Author/MH)

A case study of an autistic child (now a successfully employed graduate student and author of the article) whose parents and teachers capitalized on her fixations and compulsions by using them in learning activities illustrates how the needs of drive of autistic children can be redirected to motivate successful academic achievement. (CB)

Describes an attempt to teach electronics to disadvantaged high school students in Israel through an instructional method based on guided individual learning combined with laboratory experiments. Discusses the successes of the program in terms of academic achievement, self-learning competencies, laboratory skills, and attitudes. (ML)

One university has combined in-depth faculty seminars in grants development with individual assistance, successfully removing intimidation from the grants process and providing attention to specific problems for a large group of faculty. Other, unanticipated benefits of the program include increased research office cohesiveness and visibility.…

Discusses the videodisc market, its popularity in health care training, internally generated videodisc software, interactive computer-based training, interrupted video, advantages of interactive video, do-it-yourself video training, individualized interaction, video's impact on traditional education, and video's future. (CT)

Describes an individualized chemistry course based on mastery learning. The course uses the CHEM Study inquiry approach and textbooks with students proceeding at different rates, according to their individual abilities and interests, through a prescribed set of learning activities involving readings, sound pages, films, experiments, problem sets,…

Teachers can motivate students to read by offering choices. Ideas for developing a contract strategy for reading are discussed. Optional activities and contract terms for both average and above average students are suggested. (DF)

Elementary children of all ability levels benefited from participating in the Mini-Society, which is a highly individualized economics education program. Significant gains in terms of economic decision making, attitude toward school, and attitude toward learning were manifested by low, middle, and high ability youngsters. (RM)

This study synthesizes published and unpublished research on the effects of adaptive education on student outcomes. The study found adaptive education affects student outcomes positively and suggests that tailoring instruction to individual students is more effective than traditional educational methods. (MD)

Examines the processes involved in resource based learning, especially the availability of resources, school structure, and teacher role. (HOD)

Describes the 4Mat System, an instructional plan adapted to diverse learning styles, and suggests ways for teachers to use the system. Includes seven recommendations for staff development. (MCG)

This study examined procedures that might reduce the absenteeism of undergraduate students who serve as peer-tutors or proctors in behavioral science classes that use personalized systems of instruction. The most effective procedure was to give bonus points to students who volunteered to replace absent proctors. (RM)