Open learning offers a coherent methodology and a range of practical techniques for developing continuing education. (JOW)

Discusses the relationship between philosophical ideas and practical applications of the educational philosophy of open learning. A general analysis model of open learning that examines this relationship is presented, openness as reflected in the literature of open learning is discussed, and implications for educational providers and users are…

As presently constituted, open learning suits the ideology of privatization, being narrowly vocational and skill oriented. However, open learning should be genuinely flexible, encourage a liberal approach, and develop critical detachment. (SK)

Reprints an article originally published in 1947. Discusses observations of an experimental high school classroom. Discusses six factors conducive to democratic procedures in the classroom: experience in democratic procedures, type of school activity, the teacher's skill, physical environment, administrative support, and an effective guidance…

As prototypes for new forms of education, public and private alternative schools have much to offer regular schools in the way of new ideas. This paper provides an overview of alternative schools and the options available. Alternative schools are characterized by a more selected student body, a smaller and less bureaucratic structure, values…

This paper considers the question of how much of the instructional process instructional designers should control by pre-planning and managing instruction so that it is equitable, focusing on three specific concerns: (1) whether the designer who plans the instruction or the student is responsible for student learning; (2) whether or not the…

To help in the exploration of developments in increasing learning flexibility in Great Britain's further education system, this paper suggests the development of learner flexibility profiles as devices for analyzing and recording the nature and extent of student choice or discretion. The introductory section reviews developments in open learning…

Defines the open classroom approach as a pedagogical strategy which emphasizes student interests, student responsibility, and informality without ignoring traditional curriculum content. Outlines the major features of the open classroom approach and suggests ways it might be applied to the elementary math, language arts, social studies, and…

Discusses how the crisis-oriented search for immediate panaceas has frustrated significant and positive educational change. (GT)

Addresses socio-political implications of open and distance learning (ODL) technology, which is viewed as a new form of marketing for the distribution of knowledge. The influence of information technology is discussed, the nature and the purpose of post-modern knowledge is described, and challenges to humanistic education are discussed. (36…

Excerpts from students' writing illustrate the differences between Foxfire and other learning approaches and the dilemmas students face in Foxfire classes, including choices, decisions and responsibilities; developing new skills in a new process; participating in the democratic process; effectively working together; and nontraditional evaluations.…

School reformers have not been too radical, but have been unable to sustain their reforming energy and innovative thinking. Reformers are not "tinkering toward Utopia," but are relapsing into habit, meandering back into mediocrity. A remarkably coherent tradition of rethinking schooling is yielding to the forces of inertia,…

This paper argues that the current skill strategies of New Labour (in England) and the Labour-led Coalition (in New Zealand) are part of a broader project to construct contrasting markets in education and training. On one hand, the skill strategies are helping to construct open education and training markets through creating institutional-based…

After a 1978 meeting, eight professional education organizations drafted a position statement on the essentials of education. The statement affirmed that the interdependence of skills and content is the central concept of the essentials of education, and that subject disciplines are interdependent. The statement also listed specific essentials of…

In well-established disciplines there is largely traditional agreement about what subject areas should be included. When new disciplines emerge, decisions about their content seem more problematic. This article answers the questions of what distance education as an academic teaching discipline should cover. (Availability: Open University, 70…