The University of Iowa College of Medicine developed an independent study component for its Introduction to Clinical Medicine course. An evaluation of instructional software in order to determine its value to the course is described. (Author/MLW)

Two studies, involving 2 students (aged 11 to 12) with severe behavioral disorders, demonstrated that the use of cognitive behavior modification components, including self-instruction and self-monitoring, led to increased academic performance, and academic skill improvement led to a reduction in inappropriate classroom behaviors. (Author/JDD)

Compared choices of college majors, extracurricular plans, and service desires of high school students, including highly talented (N=1,272), moderately talented (N=31,668), and high average students (N=44,011). Found academically talented students narrow in choices of majors but broad in extracurricular interests. Contends talented students are…

Presents model of instructional strategy planning that links specific cognitive learning and thinking processes with specific computer-based instructional strategies. Topics discussed include memory systems; types of knowledge; drill and practice; tutorials; task-oriented simulations; problem-oriented simulations; and self directed experiences.…

Two recent theoretical developments in adult education, self-directed learning and transformative learning, are applied to the college faculty development process. With this approach, faculty learn to direct their own learning process, become aware of their assumptions about teaching, and revise them using critical self-reflection. (MSE)

Describes the development of an electronic textbook in human physiology at the Georgetown University Medical Center Library that was designed to enhance learning and visualization through a prototype knowledge base of core instructional materials stored in digital format on Macintosh computers. The use of computers in the medical curriculum is…

This study examined 29 second-year undergraduate students of Spanish using a self-access learning environment for the first time, focusing on their language attitudes and learning strategies. The results show that, even as modern languages majors, the students possessed a model of language and strategies for learning that were significantly…

Uses statistical analysis and interviews to examine strategies employed by five small Ontario schools successfully using Independent Learning Courses (ILC). Charts schools' correspondence course completion rates. Surveys administrators. Links ILC success to program structuring, counseling, screening services, student progress monitoring, and…

For one college teacher, the experience of reading "Information Literacy; Revolution in the Library" revealed a new and informative pattern in learning and teaching. This article examines information literacy and instructional development, classroom application, and student services. (Author/MSE)

With resource-based learning projects, college students at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science develop a better sense of the information resources available, the nature of scientific literature, and the characteristics of scientific writing. Faculty motivations, benefits, and disappointments with this approach are addressed.…

The study found that the actual coursework of 19 medical students following an individual study program deviated considerably from both the requirements of the traditional curriculum and the actual coursework followed by 302 students in the traditional program. Independent study students most commonly eliminated selected formal clerkship or…

Discusses computer-mediated communication (CMC) in distance education. Topics addressed include recent research that focused on the use of CMC-delivered courses in distance education; self-directed learning and learner autonomy; independent study; learner controlled instruction; critical thinking; collaborative learning; and curriculum change. (45…

Community colleges have historically been leaders in using information technology to serve students better. Examples of new applications of technology to transform teaching systems and organization include collaborative writing projects, electronic forums, independent learning systems, and distance learning. (MSE)

This article illustrates the theoretical and empirical basis of cognitive strategy instruction and compares this basis to major principles of constructivism. Illustrations of self-instructional and other cognitive strategy instruction models are presented in the areas of reading comprehension, written language, and memory. Maintenance,…

Although computer-based resources are appealing, there is little evidence that they are superior to less expensive traditional educational technologies in medical and dental education, and their introduction will be slow until we learn to benefit from them. However, the communications aspects of technology may be much more important and should be…