The value of self-paced instruction is considered. It is suggested that academic education, as opposed to education outside the classroom, attempts to teach a student information and skills, yet a good portion of that information is forgotten. On the other hand, what a person is interested in and has learned independently may be retained better. In using self-paced instruction in the classroom, students are encouraged to make use of the resources offered by the teacher and to set their own tasks at their own pace. In a self-paced class, students are encouraged to decide which and how many tests they wish to pass, they are given a number of chances to gain mastery over the material covered by a single test, they are encouraged to select readings which relate to their interests, and they know in advance what evaluation corresponds to the goals they set for themselves. (SW)