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…

Using student interviews, teacher ratings, and achievement test outcomes, a strategy model of student self-regulated learning was validated as a theoretical construct. Results with 44 male and 36 female 10th graders indicate both convergent and discriminative validity for a self-regulated learning construct. (TJH)

Describes the first two years of an innovative telephone-assisted language program at Ohio State University. Administration and structure of this individualized instructional program are detailed. Student body profiles, including age, occupation, reason for enrollment, and tables of student performance according to language, number of units…

A survey of 61 pharmacy students in 2 undergraduate patient counseling courses investigated attitudes concerning use of learning contracts. Results indicated most students were highly inclined toward self-directed learning, contracts were clear on grading expectations, and contract grading facilitated learning and reduced classroom anxiety and…

Describes a computer-based self-diagnosis study aid designed to assist adult student distance learners prepare for exams by providing practice exams, short quizzes on specific assignments, and feedback on student performances. Student characteristics, performance, and attitudes are examined; and future possibilities are considered. (Contains five…

Describes practical guidelines constructed by the staff of a large-scale self-access English language instruction project in Malaysia, focusing on the production of self-access materials in a situation where staff have limited resources, where both quantity and quality are required, and where there is a need to provide an in-house look to the…

A pharmacy course in nonprescription drugs in which student evaluation was based on homework assignments, written reflective paragraphs, and class attendance but not examinations was seen by students as enhancing their personal sense of responsibility for learning. (Author/MSE)

Analysis of an adult's self-study of Hungarian pinpoints lexis as the major learning priority. Personalized, real-message practice tasks appeared vital for motivation and for input to become automatized. The crossing of two linguistic thresholds appeared crucial--the gaining of a large stock of word-roots and the ability to read authentic texts.…

Provides an overview of alternatives to whole-class instruction which incorporate limited individualization. Discusses the purpose and process of using tiered activities, learning outcomes/mastery learning, learning centers, cooperative learning, computer-assisted learning, and self-directed learning (including negotiated contracts, journals,…

The effects of multiple-exemplar self-instructional training on acquiring and generalizing conversational interaction was studied with four high school students with mental retardation. It was found that nondisabled peers were effective in teaching the multiple-exemplar strategy and that training was associated with increased generalized…

Presents the results of a research project involving language teachers in Italy, their use of the target language (TL) and its interrelationship with collaborative and independent learning. The investigation was conducted by asking 21 Italian teachers of English to fill in a questionnaire concerning their beliefs regarding classroom use of TL. (15…

A study compared the effectiveness of study questions versus "learning through discussion" in promoting the learning of research skills by 41 students in a Master's in Social Work program. Using a pretest/posttest alternative treatment group design with blind evaluations, the study question method was found to be superior to the alternative…

In college apparel design courses, computer simulation of design and manufacturing, aimed at effective transfer of knowledge and skills from classroom to workplace, augment traditional teaching techniques. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research and studio projects and participate in competitions. Successful integration of…

Discussion of learner control in distance education focuses on a study that examined six factors relating to three dimensions of control, i.e., independence, competence, and support. The use of factor analysis is explained, and the roles of teachers and the university in increasing learner control are discussed. (19 references) (LRW)