The current stage in an on-going research program of student learning is summarized. With two more years to run, provisional research provides the beginnings of a model of student learning which is neither static nor mechanistic. Recent research has placed emphasis on describing how students learn and how learning is affected by the academic…

The problem of pacing distance learning students is discussed together with suggested pacing methods: insertion of questions in text of study guides; short-term, regular assignments; tutorial letters; audiocassette and videotape usage; and computer assisted instruction. (MBR)

Self-monitoring is an important part of self-regulated learning. While researchers agree on the overt features of self-monitoring, its psychological dimensions are disputed. Faculty can help college students learn formal, systematic techniques by teaching it in four phases: baseline, structured, independent, and self-regulated self-monitoring. A…

Description of research activities in the field of instructional technology in Latin America highlights distance education, microcomputers, educational radio, learning strategies and study habits, and instructional development models and design of textbooks. Problem areas discussed include students' role, cognitive styles, and effectiveness, and…

This chapter furthers the discussion of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation by contending that learning and studying are multidetermined and that intrinsic motivation is typically accompanied by extrinsic motivation. The chapter begins with a discussion of the concept of future time perspective as a cognitive-motivational personality…

Most undergraduate programs require completion of a mathematics course, but pass rates in these courses are often low. To determine predictors of student success in 100-level mathematics courses at the University of Southern Maine, we used a questionnaire to collect information on possible predictors of grade (student demographics, attitude,…

Both the broad field of educational technology and research activities in the more limited area of instructional technology in Latin America are examined. Research studies, the current situation, and/or research needs are reviewed briefly for each of the following areas: distance education; microcomputers; educational radio; learning strategies…

Two studies on monitoring and assisting high-risk college students are compared. Individualized intervention was provided in the first study, whereas the second attempted a reduced form of the same intervention in a large-group course. Both emphasized student awareness of appropriate study behavior. Only the first study had positive results.…

Reports on the impact of extra-credit assignments on the academic performance of marginal college-level students. Finds that those who attempted the assignments improved their test performance, were less likely to drop out of the class than a control group, and evaluated the experience positively. (CFR)

The concept of self-regulation--the process whereby students activate and sustain behaviors and cognitive paths which are systematically oriented toward attainment of learning goals--is increasing in importance among educators. Self-regulation includes activities such as attending to instruction; organizing, coding, and rehearsing information;…

Describes research that investigated the study strategies of preservice teachers through the use of a hypertext program that monitored lecture note review strategies of individuals and dyads. Highlights include learning from lectures; the use of pretest information; and differences in dyad and individual review strategies. (Contains 28…

Attrition among urban engineering students at Stevens Institute of Technology was studied. At the time of the student's college entry, various ability, achievement, personality, interest, and biographical factors were analyzed in an effort to predict student persistence, withdrawal, or academic failure. For the 381 male students who entered the…

Issues in problem-based learning in medical education, revealed in a literature review, are discussed including basic and clinical science examination performance; thinking processes and study behaviors promoted; learning environment; student progress and satisfaction; graduate perceptions; choice of residency and specialty; faculty satisfaction;…