This digest examines the basic tenets of Self-Directed Learning (SDL) and discusses the findings of recently conducted research which are germane to SDL's application in K-12 classrooms. Self-directed learning has its roots in adult education and has been investigated and discussed for many years. The digest surveys the literature to identify…

Explores a curricular framework for teaching and learning in schools by reconceptualizing the following ideas as a series of metaphors: for the teaching/learning process; for the roles taken by teachers and students; and for the curriculum as a whole. Contends that to return to a sense of what education could be, educators will have to change…

Before "unstructuring" or "restructuring," a school or district or state should think first about students, adopt successful learning as the criterion for judging the appropriateness of all daily activities, expect all adults to be successful learners, and identify the rules, roles, and relationships (the social structure) needed to support…

Describes the development of a program to structure and implement a censorship simulation in a graduate-level teacher education course. Presents an outline of the censorship simulation with steps as follows: determining goals and objectives; establishing a rationale; creating a setting; providing the situation; identifying student roles; creating…

Identifies some aspects of teacher-student interaction during inquiry learning. These include treatment of students as investigators, inductive use of evidence, awareness of the incomplete nature of individual bits of data, internalization of facts, and the facilitating role of the teacher. (Author/AV)

To prevent learned helplessness in learning disabled students, teachers can share responsibilities with the students, train students to reinforce themselves for effort and self control, and introduce opportunities for changing counterproductive attitudes. (CL)

Presents an overview of the problem of absenteeism, discusses the reasons for it, and offers procedures for promoting attendance. (FL)

Presents a short overview of individualization, stressing one method of achieving it; makes a statement about the importance of computers in society; and presents one element of computer study--computer literacy--using an individual approach to both teaching and learning. (FL)

Discusses the importance of emphasizing the active role of the student and of considering nonschool areas of student learning in the curriculum development process. Available from Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 1701 K Street, N.W., Suite 1100, Washington, D.C. 20006, single copies, $2.00. (JG)

A private school breaks students across grade levels into two "clan" groupings over a long-term basis. This model is presented to public schools as an effective way to bridge different student backgrounds and teach students to collaborate and have a sense of belonging. (MD)

Analyzes the formation of parent and student interest groups, their actions, and their role in the resolution of the St. Louis, Missouri teacher's strike of 1979. (GC)

Recounts problems which occur when individualized instruction is used to teach social studies. Problems include that it is not realistic because the student/teacher/instructional material relationship is too complex, social studies content is too multidimensional to be learned by mastery learning, and most schools do not have the support system…

Describes what the author means by "making the student the star" by relating several unforgettable moments from his tutoring experience. Describes how these moments helped him understand what separates meaningful, effective learning environments from ineffective, frivolous ones. Concludes by describing some interactive design techniques he has…

Concerned about the dehumanization of teachers and students throughout the history of schooling in the United States, the author critically analyzes two metaphors for education that have perennially shaped educational practices in the United States: education is production and education is a cure. Drawing on a set of commitments that could…

The dominant concept of public education at present can be described as a "service delivery" model. The public wants its children educated, delegates the job to a government agency (the schools), and holds that agency responsible for the delivery of educational services. The problems in public education, however, will not be solved by…