The effects of multiple-exemplar self-instructional training on acquiring and generalizing conversational interaction was studied with four high school students with mental retardation. It was found that nondisabled peers were effective in teaching the multiple-exemplar strategy and that training was associated with increased generalized…

Presents the results of a research project involving language teachers in Italy, their use of the target language (TL) and its interrelationship with collaborative and independent learning. The investigation was conducted by asking 21 Italian teachers of English to fill in a questionnaire concerning their beliefs regarding classroom use of TL. (15…

A study compared the effectiveness of study questions versus "learning through discussion" in promoting the learning of research skills by 41 students in a Master's in Social Work program. Using a pretest/posttest alternative treatment group design with blind evaluations, the study question method was found to be superior to the alternative…

In college apparel design courses, computer simulation of design and manufacturing, aimed at effective transfer of knowledge and skills from classroom to workplace, augment traditional teaching techniques. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research and studio projects and participate in competitions. Successful integration of…

Discussion of learner control in distance education focuses on a study that examined six factors relating to three dimensions of control, i.e., independence, competence, and support. The use of factor analysis is explained, and the roles of teachers and the university in increasing learner control are discussed. (19 references) (LRW)

Examines the attitudes of physiotherapy students toward the replacement of conventional lectures with self-learning packages at the Hong Kong Polytechnic. Highlights include learning processes; a comparison of physiotherapy students with other students; and correlations between evaluation questions and English language fluency. (Contains 10…

Describes a qualitative case study of the total classroom environment created by an exemplary whole-language teacher. Emergent categories and member checks indicated that the classroom environment was organized according to three major principles (collaboration, student independence, and student self-evaluation). This classroom environment is…

Explains the rationale, objectives, and content of a seminar program in the Soviet Union for school administrators. Describes the work of the department of public education's Faculty of Upgrading Pedagogical Qualifications in promoting administrators' professional development and mastery of administrative principles. Emphasizes the need to…

This article discusses the importance of questions as a means for hearing-impaired students to acquire and clarify information and develop independent learning processes. The article also discusses the difficulties faced by hearing-impaired students in comprehending question forms (especially WH-question forms) and offers strategies for diagnosing…

This article organizes what is known about teacher staff development into five models currently being espoused and used. Supporting theory and research on these models are reviewed, and a description is given of what is currently known about the organizational context that is required to support successful staff development efforts. (Author/IAH)

Reasons for the increased interest in "self-access" learning in language classrooms are explored, particularly the shift from teacher-centered to learner-centered learning. Ways that a Malaysian teachers college set up a self-access learning center are described. (Contains seven references.) (LB)

Describes a study that identified various strategies used by graduate students to navigate a hypermedia program about ethnographic research methodology. The strategies included independent interaction, accommodation of a learning partner, cooperation with a partner, collaboration mediated by the program, and reflective collaboration with little or…

Based on a language-needs analysis for students in a German for engineering course, this article argues that teaching languages for special purposes needs to consider the subject-specific needs of specialists in a given field. It proposes that LSP courses need to be skill oriented and learner centered and should emphasize the role of…

A study at the University of Oregon examined distance education, looking at the demographics of the distance-education market, the types of courses best suited to it, and student performance as it related to demographic group. The study found that although certain students do well, it questioned whether there were sufficient numbers of students to…

Examined the timing of reflection-on-action on the beliefs of 36 Dutch elementary student teachers using self-directed teaching methods. Data from student teacher questionnaires administered at four different times indicate that reflection after student teaching may be more effective in promoting attitude change than reflection-oriented learning…