Learner training (LT) is felt to be important for students to make effective use of self-access facilities, yet there is uncertainty about how it should be done and how it will be received. This study examined students' reactions to two versions of LT for listening, finding little negative reaction to two versions of LT for listening, finding…

A demonstrated model for effective instructional skill improvement in the medical clinical sciences is described. A two-year project was funded by the National Fund for Medical Education to design and implement a program to assist house staff in the improvement of clinical instruction. A total of 148 medical residents were surveyed about their…

The impact of an introductory library skills course is evaluated through the use of a difference of means test, the t-test for significance. The purpose of the course is to provide a basic introduction to the efficient and effective use of academic libraries and their resources. Each of 55 undergraduates was pretested to determine his/her entry…

This is one of three volumes presenting the over-all results of a research effort investigating the effects upon student outcomes of training teachers to implement individual study and self-directed study in their classrooms. Sample tests are presented measuring the following variables: (1) social study achievement; (2) work study skills; (3) self…

Predicting student success in various academic situations has traditionally been via the use of cognitive pre-tests, or other non-attitudinal measures. A study grouped students, (approximately 75 percent female, primarily college sophomores enrolled in a semester-length audiovisual course), according to individual pro-instructional expectancy…

The major purpose of the study was to ascertain and compare the effects of two different methods of presenting information about career education to elementary education students. One method utilized self-instruction with study-guide, two film slide/audio tapes, and two video tapes. The second method utilized group instrution in the regular…

Electrical engineering students at the University of Essex have been following as an integral part of their degree program, a credit course at the Open University. The effects of introducing a multimedia independent learning package into a conventional university are examined, the evaluation method is discussed, and differences in student…

Reports on an experiment carried out with Swiss high school students who had had four years of French. The students were allowed to design their class work individually. On the basis of a questionnaire, which is provided here, the experiment was judged very successful. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

A study was conducted to investigate student perceptions of independent study instruction by analyzing student evaluations of program procedures, instructors, instructional materials, assignments and examinations, and student self-assessments. It also investigated students' reasons for enrolling and not completing their independent study courses…

A study was undertaken to ascertain the extent to which programed instruction is capable of developing creative behavior. Students were taught creative problem solving using programed instruction alone and using programed instruction with an instructor. The results showed that the instructor-taught groups were superior on various tests of creative…

Student response to student-centered learning at the Open University was surveyed in a questionnaire sent to all students completing a course called "Man-made Futures: Design and Technology." It was found that student projects are popular, regarded as difficult but satisfactory, and require tutorial support. (LBH)

This study investigated the perceived value (after several years) of a year-long independent study/mentorship course provided to 90 gifted high school students. Respondents reported that the course had improved their self-esteem; that the mentor was a significant influence and helped in "real life" learning; and that the course helped in career…

A peer-tutoring project in undergraduate mathematics at a university in the United Kingdom was designed both to provide support for independent learning tasks and for group projects. A survey of students found that while most liked and felt they benefited from the group experience, most also did not like the independent learning tasks. (Author/MSE)

Describes the self-reported strategies of 30 adults who were independent language learners for a period of 6 months and kept diaries of their language learning experiences. High achievers showed significantly more instances of communication-making and context-making activities, treating language as a medium of communication rather than as a…

Discussion of independent learning and informal interaction between students and between student and tutor focuses on a survey conducted at the Open University (United Kingdom) that explored students' attitudes and behavior in scheduled contacts as well as unscheduled, informal interaction. Student desire for additional learning support is also…