A survey of adult students in an independent course (n=180) involving printed study guides, readings, and noncompulsory lectures showed that printed materials were a disincentive to developing deep learning strategies; students did not feel part of the university culture; they were preoccupied with assessment and had weak independent research…

Focuses on the need for self-assessment as a learning strategy for second language learning. Argues that self-assessment produces learners who are more active and focused and better placed to assess their own progress in terms of communication. Offers practical suggestions for carrying self-assessment at the secondary school and university level.…

A European exchange program for language teachers in which the objective is to create opportunities for professional and pedagogical reflection, refinement of language skills and cultural knowledge, and better understanding of the target culture's school system is described. The program provides two-week visits to a foreign country, during which…

Describes a self-instructional assignment approach to the teaching of advanced enzymology. Presents an assignment that offers a means of teaching enzymology to students that exposes them to modern computer-based techniques of analyzing protein structure and relates structure to enzyme function. (JRH)

Describes a compulsory first-year management course for 250 students designed as an independent learning class, and discusses the results of student surveys conducted in class and one year later. Concludes that while results show an increase in effective learning strategies for independent learning students, a minority did not respond positively.…

Considers higher education and professional learning and describes a Web-based course focusing on project management skills, including collaboration. Discusses professional knowledge; self-directed learning; social processes of professional learning; integration of learning and assessment; social support for professional skills; cognitive support…

Examines ways to use effectively the technology involved in teaching and learning online as they pertain to training child caregivers. Provides guidelines for early childhood administrators to prepare themselves to teach an online or web-enhanced course or training program. Identifies challenges and barriers confronting online learners. Lists…

This article discusses how to recognize young gifted children (ages 5-8), gifted education, and issues for teachers. Educators are urged to enable students to make their thinking visible, allow autonomy in learning, allow for imagination and time for deep level thinking, challenge able children, and help children to be self-critical. (Contains 4…

An independent study project for gifted elementary students successfully included online bibliographic database searches in the student research process. Database searching, placed in a meaningful and supportive context, helped to individualize the students' learning and became an extension of their own wondering into the wider world. (Author/JDD)

Problem-based learning is an approach that can be used to increase student participation while promoting the development of skills for lifelong learning. In solving problems learners acquire two types of knowledge--knowledge of concepts, principles and facts; and procedures for how to use them. (Author/MLW)

Describes the use of interactive video (IV) in initial teacher training in the United Kingdom. Learner control is discussed, and five types of IV use are highlighted: (1) as a presentation system; (2) for independent student learning; (3) as a resource for students on teaching practice; (4) as an information source; and (5) as a surrogate tutor.…

Described are three levels of information management with databases. Levels and methods of integration, computer supply and learning approach, dynamic resources, and self-tailored learning approaches are discussed. Examples of database records are provided. (CW)

Discusses the field of educational technology and the need for new perspectives on the processes of learning, teaching, and doing research. Topics discussed include the scope of education; goal-directed feedback; control system theory; cybernetics and general system research; self-instruction; and suggestions for future planning for educational…

Distance learning, via correspondence study, is offered by nearly 30 universities in India. An in-depth study of such programs operated by six universities indicates that the programs and open university systems complement the formal higher education system and allow adult education students to learn at their own paces. (TJH)

Addresses the cultural gap between teachers who are computer literate and those who are not. Highlights include traditional teaching methods; surface reasons for not using computers, including high cost, complexity, hostile interface, and rapid obsolescence; the opportunity for students to become independent lifelong learners with the Internet;…