Because of geographical isolation, a number of Queensland children cannot attend regular primary schools, and their education must be based at home. In 1979, 1,528 children were enrolled in the Primary Correspondence School. Children in the program receive lesson papers, textbooks and audio-visual items in the major subject areas of language arts,…

In the past, it has not been possible to "teach oneself to read" at home, because learners could not read the books to teach them. Videos and interactive compact discs have changed that situation and challenge current assumptions of the pedagogy of literacy. This article describes an experimental adult literacy project using video…

"Framing the Future" is a major staff development initiative of the Australian National Training Authority. The initiative supports people in the vocational education and training (VET) sector who are involved in implementing the National Training Framework. "Framing the Future" encourages VET practitioners to take…

A project explored the Internet's potential to teach instrumental music online to students in regional or remote regions of Western Australia. The project was established on the expectation that, at some time in the not-too-distant future, instrumental music tutors located in metropolitan regions may have, in their normal studio practice, a…

Examines the structure, validity, and reliability of Guglielmino's self-directed learning readiness scale. Reviews related literature and refutes Guglielmino's thesis. Reports data derived from an administration of the scale that reveal problems in wording and show that the scale measures a homogeneous construct not associated with readiness for…

A study investigated the independent study and research skills of Year 11 secondary students (n=460) and the research and study skills instruction by teachers (n=54) in the Australian studies component of the Victoria Certificate of Education (VCE) curriculum. Results found many students not competent in using resources independently and few…

Describes a study of Australian post-secondary technology students that tested learning preferences using the Canfield Learning Styles Inventory. Topics include gender differences, age group differences, print versus nonprint, collaborative versus dependent learning, self-directed learning, and implications for the design of flexible delivery.…

Describes the establishment and operation of adult Individual Learning Centres in New South Wales (Australia) colleges to provide a flexible alternative to existing college preparatory courses. The Centres include alternative instructional methods, individual study, self-instructional materials, open entry/exit arrangements, and teacher tutoring.…

Motivation that arises from a genine interest in the field of study being undertaken is examined. This Australian university professor suggests that most students do not have a real zeal for academic study and offers ideas for improving that motivation in science students. (LBH)

A survey of adult students in an independent course (n=180) involving printed study guides, readings, and noncompulsory lectures showed that printed materials were a disincentive to developing deep learning strategies; students did not feel part of the university culture; they were preoccupied with assessment and had weak independent research…

Describes a self-instructional assignment approach to the teaching of advanced enzymology. Presents an assignment that offers a means of teaching enzymology to students that exposes them to modern computer-based techniques of analyzing protein structure and relates structure to enzyme function. (JRH)

In adult education, there can sometimes be a dilemma between notions of learner self-direction and learning that is important for public safety. The dilemma posed is one not well resolved by education theory. Although a few theorists have broadly recognised the tension, they tend to offer little in the way of guidance towards its resolution,…

In today's usage the distinction between open and distance education is often blurred. Indeed, open education and open learning are not synonymous with distance education and distance learning, a fact that is readily discernible by examining the characteristics of each. Teaching and learning in distance education are based on two elements: a…

A study was conducted to describe the use of study centers and study center networks as a support system in distance education in Australia. Information was obtained by interviewing students, tutors, and coordinators of study centers within four distance-education systems. The University of Queensland, the Riverina College of Advanced Education,…

This course, one of 16 sequential courses comprising phase one of a part-time Bachelor of Arts degree program in Australian Studies, analyses how versions of the past are maintained through rituals and ceremonies, and through institutions such as schools and museums. It further develops the notion of identity, particularly as it applies to…