A 31-year-old student of Western Governors University (WGU) plans to earn a bachelor's degree (without attending a class), by using the Internet or otherwise by teaching himself. Aside from distance-learning opportunities, WGU offers the option of standardized tests and independent projects to fulfill degree requirements. The student in question…

Proposes that automatic speech recognition (ASR) can effectively increase students' learning twofold over conventional self-study materials. Past and current efforts at the U.S. Military Academy are described that are aimed at integrating advanced ASR into courseware-authoring systems. (Author/VWL)

Presents a schematic representation of professionalism and information about two self-study courses on becoming a professional. Describes a professional portfolio guide for students in occupational therapy and discusses implications and directions for fostering professionalism. (Author/JOW)

Reports findings from a longitudinal study tracking the expectations, shifts in expectations, and emergent beliefs of novice self-instructed language learners. Investigates how learners experienced and articulated their experience in a distance-learning context. Focused on learner-context interface, tolerance for ambiguity, and locus of control.…

Discusses development of a long-term project to create a set of computer-assisted language learning materials that would enable beginner students of French to review core grammar points thoroughly, in manageable units, at their own pace, outside of the classroom, and free of direct teacher supervision. (Author/JL)

Proposes an instructional design model for humanistic multimedia computer-enhanced language learning in a self-access environment for second language learning through listening and viewing comprehension. (Author/VWL)

Describes a partnership between Fireman's Fund Insurance Company (FFIC) and California State University-Chico, the core of which is an on-campus internship program that allows the university to defer expenses, allows FFIC to gain an on-campus presence, and lets students obtain real world experience. Discusses self-directed and lifelong learning…

A case study investigated the research processes and authentic learning experiences of 10 junior high students as they completed independent research projects. Students experienced the most difficulty in exploring and forming a focus. Only three students demonstrated all of the characteristics of authentic learning in their final products.…

As his geology students' specialized knowledge of the Mesozoic era increased, a high school teacher realized he needed a way to showcase their work. The Mesozoic Resource Center's biggest hit was a walk-through diorama showing how life might have been during each of three Mesozoic periods. Highlights included two gigantic student-built dinosaur…

Explores the theoretical underpinnings relating to self-regulated learning and considers how classrooms can be structured as self-regulated learning environments. Topics include assumptions about learners and learning processes; design principles; and components of self-regulated learning environments, including learners, teachers, learning tasks…

Examines ways in which the cross-cultural aspects of learning a second language may be integrated with the objective of achieving communicative competence. The article suggests that foreign-language studies constitute for the learner a preparation for a way of thinking and behaving that views the "foreigner" as a necessary and enriching value. (23…

Describes an experience of introducing a "Records of Achievement" scheme in university extramural language courses. The article discusses the effectiveness of existing teaching/learning styles and examines the way in which records of achievement could foster autonomous learning. Student reaction to recording progress as a means of sustaining…

Discusses the use of self-directed learning within the framework of shared inquiry. Compares this concept of authentic engagement--whereby students are held responsible for group problem solving and working together to discuss ideas related to difficult texts--to Maria Montessori's focus on independent learning within a prepared environment. (MDM)

Describes an open learning initiative in China called the Higher Education Examinations Self-Taught Learning (HEESTL) that relies on autonomous learning, student motivation, and students' ability to seek out additional needed support to take the National Unified Higher Education Examinations. Discusses the role of state and provincial governments…

Examines aspects of learning Cantonese by English speakers in Hong Kong. Particular focus is on the effectiveness of the instructional materials currently on offer. (Author/VWL)