Discusses course workload in college-affiliated independent study programs. A program at Brigham Young University that addressed the problem of workload equivalence and reduced the number of submitted lessons is described, including benefits to students and faculty and an implementation strategy. (10 references) (LRW)

Provides a checklist of the opportunities, benefits, and barriers to the introduction of independent work-based learning courses in higher education, developed from workshops held at Coventry University (United Kingdom). Considers points of view of learners, the university, and the employers. (Author/LRW)

As distance learning and other nontraditional methods of language learning become more popular, it is important to understand the factors that influence learners' ability to succeed in such environments. This paper reports on two factors that have a significant impact on the student experience in a self-instructed language program: locus of…

Distance education systems are being used in along with the traditional education systems in order to respond to the demand for higher education. Technological advancements, interactive learning possibilities are forcing the traditional universities to make more use of the distance education systems and technologies. Most of the traditional…

Much has been made of the advances in computer-aided learning activities. Websites, virtual campus, the increased use of WebCT (an online proprietary virtual learning environment system) and chat rooms and further advances in the use of WebCT are becoming more commonplace in United Kingdom universities. However, the effectiveness of these learning…

If the modern conservatorium is to prosper in a rapidly changing cultural and economic landscape, it will need to provide a learning experience that produces multi-skilled and adaptable graduates who are self-monitoring and self-directing. By implication, teaching practices that have dominated in the past will need to be re-thought, and…

Purpose: This paper aims to report empirical research investigating how school-based management (SBM) and paradigm shift (PS) in education are closely related to teachers' student-centered teaching and students' active learning in a sample of Hong Kong secondary schools. Design/methodology/approach: It is a cross-sectional survey research…

Needs analysis is an issue of major concern for courses of English, both for English as a Second Language (ESL) and as a foreign language (EFL). In my study, I examined two EAP programmes at two universities--in New Zealand and Vietnam--to see if needs analysis receives any attention in these two programmes, and, if so, how needs analysis is…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the blended learning preferences under which adult students study mathematics, electronics and industry certificate examinations like project management and e-SAP (systems, applications and products). Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on four case studies in mathematics,…

A study of student attitudes toward independent project work indicates that grades may be a larger motivation than learning, and that students may exploit the assessment system in varying degrees to attain their end. However, "project game" players had no statistically significantly higher grades. (MSE)

Describes a few of the frustrations and disappointments found in an alternative program for secondary students. (Editor/RK)

A study of the impact of a self-directed contract learning course on participants' pre- and post-course scores on the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale, course evaluations, and student attitudes as reflected in diaries is reported, along with a discussion of the findings' significance for understanding self-directed learning. (MSE)