Undergraduate science students took an Inquiry course in their second (sophomore) year. The course was designed to explore the social life of scientific knowledge. They were given a set of eight assessment options: personal logs, targeted oral examinations, commentaries, mini-lectures, individual explorations, research proposals, book reviews, and…

This research applied Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory to examine engagement with courseware in traditional and online remedial mathematics learning environments. The study investigated the relationship of courseware engagement to age, computer self-efficacy, computer playfulness, and self-efficacy for self-regulated mathematics learning.…

The effectiveness of the learning cell, or student dyad, for the acquisition of principles of probability was explored in Grades 5, 9, and college age. Analysis indicates that student's evaluations of the learning cell was unrelated to achievement. (Author/DEP)

Vocalizing and nonvocalizing pairs and individuals solved four three-attribute conjunctive problems. In terms of overall effectiveness, vocalizing pairs were superior; individuals vocalizing to a confederate, individuals vocalizing to the experimenter, and nonvocalizing individuals were intermediate, in that order; and nonvocalizing pairs were…

This study investigated techniques for supporting college students' self-regulation within a core course in child development. The course incorporated Web-based instructional elements as ancillary instruction. Regularly scheduled class meetings occurred approximately twice weekly, highlighting various presentation methods to illustrate materials…

Summarizes the findings of an investigation of a self-teaching scheme of selected topics in physics and chemistry used with students taking courses in catering, hotel/catering, and institutional management and diploma in home economics. Two complementary experimental approaches are used: statistical analysis of the data and semistructured…

The impacts of independent study and the lecture approach on student test scores and study time were compared for 205 medical students studying surgery. Learning objective, multiple-choice, and essay questions were developed for selected topics related to surgery. Findings support increased individual active learning strategies and decreased…

This paper shows how a study in educational sciences focused on the concept of "competence" can bring about changes in the pedagogical methods used when training engineers. Instead of using personality traits to understand innovators, a PhD study focused on practices and competencies revealed that, amongst other things, self-directed…

Learning style preferences of a group of nursing students was analyzed to determine whether the development of self-instructional modular learning packages would be an educationally sound means for presenting didactic content to students. A total of 38 junior baccalaureate nursing students completed the Canfield Learning Styles Inventory. Results…

The influence of student personality on the effects of the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) was examined. Three testing systems (midterm and final exams; bimonthly tests; and PSI) were examined along with three personality dimensions (internal-external locus of control, need for achievement, and need for autonomy). There were no…

The effects of a model-reinforced videotape in increasing vocational information-seeking behavior were studied in an outreach, self-instruction-oriented career information resource center for college students. Results showed increased type and frequency of information-seeking behavior for students viewing the model videotape. (Author)

The 4-4-1 plan adopted by Wesleyan College in North Carolina is reviewed with reference to the use of the May term or mini-semester. The lack of anticipated increased use of library resources is emphasized and suggestions are offered for changing this trend of the last three years. (LBH)

Malcolm Knowles, in his theory of adult learning (1972, revised 1980), presents adults as motivated, self-directed learners. Basically, once a person starts seeing himself or herself as an adult, he or she has an expectation of being independent in decision-making, valuing personal experience, and desiring respect. Courses, curriculum, and…

This research paper presents a learners' perspective on (the promotion of) learner autonomy and Self-Access Language Learning in an English Proficiency Program. It provides an evaluation of the success of these course elements as well as an interpretation of students' understanding of the related concepts. Finally, it identifies factors that…