This paper describes two modes of educational decision-making: Mode I, in which the instructor makes such decisions as what to teach, to whom, when, in what order, at what pace, and at what complexity level; and Mode II, in which the learner makes the decisions. While Mode I comprises most of what is regarded as formal education, the learner in…

This publication is a collection of eight articles concerned with the open education movement in the United States. The articles include "The Concept of Openness: An Introduction," by Vincent Rogers and Bud Church; "Open Education and American Values: A Tentative Exploration," by Bud Church; "A British View of Open Education in the U.S.," by…

The contributions distance teaching (education delivered to learners who study anywhere and in their own time) can make to work-oriented, family and community, professional and paraprofessional, and general basic education in developing rural areas are discussed briefly. Its use in professional education is illustrated with description of the Free…

By its very nature, informal education has built within it the major components of individualization. (HMD)

Author dealt with techniques for individualizing music education. (Editor/RK)

Discusses the freedom students find in the open classroom. (RK)

Open classrooms may provide some answers to needed reforms in today's schools. (DS)

Describes the Jenkins Elementary School which not only serves as a neighborhood elementary education facility, but also provides students at Millersville State College, Pennsylvania, an opportunity to learn, work with, and observe the many different concepts embodied in open education. (Author/MB)

A principal observes a self-directed classroom and gives his reasons why the integrated day provides a good way for children to learn. (DN)

The author examines the background and purposes of open learning in Great Britain. Political motives are emphasized. The distinction between distance education and open education is made. The author calls for more focus on individualizing instruction in distance education. (CH)

In-depth interviews with eight teachers who consistently and successfully developed individualized, personalized classrooms are reported. The object of this investigation was to determine how these teachers perceive the teaching and learning process and how they view themselves and their development as teachers. The teachers varied in their…

As part of an ongoing study of handicapped children in the open classroom, 12 children (in grades K through 4) were observed who had been identified by their teachers as either benefiting most or least from open class instruction. The literature review of the entire study focused on the critical variables (teachers' roles, individual differences,…

Optional alternative public schools have been developed as an expression of the democratic ideal of individual choice. Alternative systems offer the opportunity for individuated instruction, contact with the "real world" community, and community control of educational decision-making. However, reforms in the last few decades have encouraged…