Investigated the effects of a lecture training program and an independent study on the knowledge and attitudes of law students (N=102) toward the mentally retarded offender. Revealed that the instructional methods of lecture and independent study did not produce a significant difference in the mean gains in knowledge and attitudes of law students.…

Nontraditional learning environments challenge instructors to develop educational formats responsive to specific objectives and milieu. Competencies related to long-term goal achievement instead of short-term information retention are highlighted. An innovative instructional format presented during an international education semester aboard the…

A collaborative effort of French and West German radio produced a series of programs providing French language instruction and practice. The programs consist of dialogues, exercises, civilization, and an authentic cultural document. (MSE)

The relationship between general, liberal and professional education is discussed within the context of reforming undergraduate education. Physical education professors and administrators are encouraged to actively participate in education reform and to consider their role in general education programs. (JL)

Urges development of gifted programs appropriate to rural schools. Discusses groupings, curricula, technology, and differentiated education. Emphasizes the importance of peer and community involvement. Provides 21 references. (SKW)

The medical pharmacology course at the University of Arkansas College of Medicine has changed from a poorly attended course in which students depended on "canned notes" and had bad rapport with faculty members to a course in which attendance is high and the canned-notes system has been abandoned. (Author/MLW)

Explores likely directions for the future of adult learning research. Describes three research areas that will serve as a foundation for future efforts: (1) the teaching-learning transaction, (2) participation, and (3) self-directed learning. (CH)

Three 11-year-olds with difficulties in reading comprehension received self-instructional training along with task worksheets and stories. Compared to control children, the experimental students achieved increased accuracy on classroom comprehension questions, and the increase was maintained during a subsequent self-management phase. (Author/JDD)

Describes the library instruction program at Miami-Dade Community College, a self-instructional library skills program consisting of a two-part manual, review exercises, "hands-on" assignments, and computer-scored tests. Reports on faculty and student responses to the program. (DMM)

This experimental study was conducted to: (1) provide further information on the susceptibility to special preparation of three Graduate Record Examination analytical item types; (2) determine the efficacy of self-study test familiarization materials for these types; and (3) ascertain the effects of several different components of special…

Compared effects of cooperative learning activities (with and without structured controversy) and individualistic learning activities on the achievement and attitudes of fifth graders (N=84) toward wolves. Results show that cooperative-controversy resulted in the highest achievement, greatest motivation to learn about wolves, and more positive…

Summarizes data from a survey to determine the central aspects of status and policy of American university programs of independent study by correspondence. Information on institutional enrollments, staff size, fees and services, tuition, and faculty salaries is included. (Author/MBR)

Two studies were conducted to obtain information about the metacognitive environment of the preschool child and the impact of parent-child communication on problem solving. Children working with parents showed improvement on several problem-solving measures, but children working alone also improved, solely as a result of practice. (Author/PP)

Describes programs that allow adult students to acquire academic credit without attending formal classes. Instead, students can study part-time, at home and at their own pace, and also earn credit for knowledge, experience, and noncollegiate courses. (NRJ)

This book is about strategies learners can use to make their language learning and practice more successful and enjoyable. It is also about how teachers can help their learners develop those strategies. By making strategies part of their courses, teachers can help prepare their learners for their future study. This practical guide gives examples…