Discusses ways in which schools, libraries, and other cultural institutions can help students develop their own thoughts and foster a desire for lifelong learning. Schools and cultural institutions are compared, libraries are described as places for critical thinking, and a model for school information service is presented that stresses…

Reviews research on the relationship between self-directed learning and selected demographic predictors. Concludes that student age may be an important determinant of success at the college level but is not significant in postsecondary art education programs. Finds that education level is a more accurate predictor among older adults. (CFR)

Reports on a two-year project in a biology course for nonmajors in which lectures were replaced with guided learning activities and weekly exams designed to help students gain the confidence to be independent learners, especially in science, assume responsibility for their own learning, improve study skills, and make more effective use of class…

A study of 97 adult distance learners introduced and evaluated the effectiveness of an embedded study strategy. Determined less experienced learners embraced the strategy and more experienced learners rejected it if it conflicted with existing study strategies, time constraints, or their need for self-direction. Appendices includes the evaluation…

Considers how to enhance media literacy in university media courses and offers a case study of a flexible learning project designed to help first-year undergraduates acquire independent skills of research, information management, reading, analysis, problem-solving, and writing. Discusses planning strategies, modules, learning activities,…

Offers suggestions on ways to use computers to individualize instruction for gifted students including drill and practice, simulation programs, independent research, creative projects, organization of data, and development of presentations. (DB)

Applies notions associated with adult-learning theory in a case study that explores issues associated with teaching computer use to seniors. Topics include peer-led instruction; late adopters learning technology; learning in retirement programs; andragogy; self-directed learning; problem-centered learning; and instructional strategies. (Author/LRW)

Evaluated distance students' ratings of the importance of strategies to facilitate self-directed learning in the National Open University, Taiwan. Topics include content validity; differences between current and inactive students, including motivation; institutional support services; orientation programs; instructional styles; course design; and…

This article discusses the concept of professional/parent partnerships and the legal, attitudinal, and logistical barriers to providing an appropriate education for many gifted learners. A parent describes her role as an instructional partner in the development of an individualized program for her gifted child. (Contains references.) (CR)

Discusses information literacy and presents a theoretical framework for higher education. Highlights include characteristics of an information literate person, including independent self-directed learning and the use of information technology; information literacy education strategies in the academic curriculum; evaluating information literacy…

Studies the ways in which three graduate students applied theoretical and pedagogical tools in a collaborative independent study course. Concludes that the students' use of research tools was more consistent with the teacher's understanding of profitable uses than was their appropriation of the conceptual tools advanced in the course readings. (TB)

Describes the implementation of a self-directed learning program for tertiary students in Hong Kong and evaluates its outcomes using data from the students and the teacher. The article raises issues concerning the provision of support for such learning and discusses the implications for future work in the field. (Author/JL)

Discussion of computer-based learning (CBL) in universities focuses on a study in the United Kingdom that measured the effectiveness of replacing lectures with CBL materials. Describes the results of questionnaires used to assess students' perceptions of the usefulness and effectiveness of the CBL materials compared to lectures. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the development of Web-based courses at the University of Southern Queensland (Australia) and presents a conceptual framework of three models of student learning: the independent learner, the interactive learner, and the collaborative learner. Highlights include the impact of constructivism; reflective practice; situated learning; and…

Language departments in Britain have responded to the need for finding less costly alternatives for delivering instruction, by introducing autonomous language learning into the curriculum. This article warns that it is neither a cheap nor easy alternative, and that there are important economic, psychological, pedagogical, and practical issues to…