A program in beginning French is described in which an individualized approach to language teaching was used to achieve a high level of mastery and avoid grade bargaining by varying the time needed by students to achieve mastery. The same course structure was used to train language majors as teaching assistants. (Author/RM)

Recent developments in foreign language offerings in New York State are outlined. Exploratory programs, general language usage programs, minicourses, interdisciplinary programs, independent study programs, bilingual programs, programs beyond the classroom, and career education efforts are discussed. (RM)

A study of 12 individual self-instructional programs comprising six types of media, used to supplement the learning of senior medical students taking elective family practice preceptorships in communities distant from the medical school, is described. These students showed a gain in knowledge from pretest to delayed retention test while a control…

Results of exploratory research into learning contract planning at SUNY's Empire State College are described. A paradigm was designed for describing and analyzing conference between mentors and their students focusing on the functional tasks of contract planning and the decision-making process. Case materials are included. (Author/LBH)

A computer-based review system has been developed, based on the multiple-choice technique, at the University of London for medical students. The user can enter an answer or can have a list of questions to take away and enter later. Student response has been favorable. (LBH)

The main kinds of difficulty experienced by disabled students and the many practical ways they have been approached are summarized. The important role played by the Open University, given necessary resources and sufficient flexibility, is meeting the needs of students who would otherwise find study almost impossible. (LBH)

Teaching students the methodologies used by practicing professionals can increase creative productivity, levels of understanding, and motivation levels of bright students. How-to books can be used to explain these methodologies, by serving a mentor-in-print role, introducing students to new topics and processes, or providing a supplement to the…

Discusses (1) strategies that make learning disabled adolescents independent in subject area classrooms, (2) the use of medieval rhetoric to help modern students expand their writing, and (3) students' opinions of sustained silent reading. (NKA)

Describes Johnson County Community College's Learning Strategies Program, which teaches students how to learn and to use self-instruction to become independent learners. Reports on program development and implementation; the effects of strategies instruction on grades, study skills, learner satisfaction, and course completion; and plans for…

Discusses the problems of lecturers and students in a college course. Describes a staff-student liason committee. Gives examples of lecture evaluation instruments. Analyzes the effectiveness of the staff-student liaison groups and emphasizes the value of communication. (CW)

English-as-a-second-language (ESL) teachers' three major roles in facilitating student learning through an individualized approach to instruction are: (1) motivating students; (2) providing models; and (3) assessing programs and giving feedback. (Author/CB)

Explores the nature, modalities, costs, and possible benefits of education to inmates of federal penitentiaries. Hypothesizes that education more than any other approach offers hope for inmates to develop their capacities to a point where they can function in a normal manner in society. (Author/CH)

Eight learning disabled junior high school students were taught goal-setting and self-regulatory skills in a resource room setting. The goal-implementation strategy was effective in increasing some students' rates of assignment completion in the resource room and in the regular classroom. (Author/ABB)

Describes interactive video, compares disc- and tape-based systems, and summarizes the considerations that led to the development of the "Autotutor," an interactive video system for language learners. The process of creating interactive video learning materials is explained and its advantages to the learner are discussed. (SED)

Describes a pilot videodisc project for French language instruction. Unique features include (1) learner control of instruction by a mouse or touch-sensitive screen, (2) extensive cultural interaction, and (3) an elaborate lexicon of word meanings portrayed visually for selected key words. (Author/SED)