The question of what determines the appropriate use of self-directed learning (SDL) as opposed to teacher-directed learning (TDL) for midcareer professionals was examined through a review of the literature on SDL, SDL in professional development, and through interviews with 12 midcareer adults in a wide variety of professions. In general, the…

One of the key arguments for problem-based learning as a holistic, learner centred pedagogical method rests on the premise it addresses multiple facets of learner development rather than decontextualised, content related learning outcomes. Fostering meta-cognitive ability in an attempt to develop self regulatory, autonomous learning habits is an…

In an experiment in distance education conducted at the University of Lund, Sweden, students taking a course in educational technology studied at home with the aid of correspondence material. To help the students, telephone instruction with a tutor was provided. Each telephone conversation was recorded as part of the study. Students had positive…

An examination was undertaken of a programed-study procedure employing behavior theory concepts in teaching undergraduate course material. Study units were constructed, containing a specific reading assignment and study guide questions. When the student felt himself to be ready, he was given a test. Progress through the course was contingent upon…

Studies attitudes of 120 African-American undergraduates toward academic interdependence and motivation in interdependent and independent learning contexts. Results indicate a prevalent cooperative academic attitude, with a positive impact on academic motivation in cooperative contexts. African-American students tend to be disposed more toward…

Discusses why the introduction of new technologies (or other educational innovations) as a means to greater learner autonomy is likely to produce some student resistance. Considers factors involved in determining the strength of resistance, and ways teachers can assist students to recognize and overcome associated problems. Presents the authors'…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of using individual, cooperative-dyad, and collaborative-dyad learning structures with a computer simulation. College students implemented and experienced one of the three learning structures while using a computer simulation designed to teach the technical and procedural aspects of…

The monograph reports on two surveys conducted by the Open University (United Kingdom) to evaluate the likely consequences of the university's new home computing policy (which requires access to a microcomputer for certain courses) on students with disabilities. A telephone survey was taken of 23 disabled students, and questionnaires were…

Five separate papers comprise this report of a project in which researchers developed and evaluated methods for helping young adults enhance their use of reading as a learning skill. The first paper discusses tools designed to increase readers' awareness of what they do as they read, teaching approaches used to promote skill development, and…

THIS STUDY INVESTIGATES THE POTENTIALLY FACILITATIVE AND INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF SOCIAL INTERACTION DURING PROGRAMED INSTRUCTION. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES WERE (1) TO IDENTIFY THE PARTICULAR ASPECTS OF SOCIAL INTERACTION CRITICAL TO FACILITATING OR INHIBITING PROGRAMED LEARNING, AND (2) TO DETERMINE THE METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING WORK GROUPS THAT OPTIMIZES…

This is the final report of the 1974-75 Student Advisory Committee's study of the senior year of high school. The committee's solutions to "senioritis" focus on three areas: the school, the school and the community, and the school and colleges. The school itself can take certain steps to improve the senior year such as providing…

This three-month project utilized commercially prepared programed materials in French, German, and Spanish instruction for eighth graders selected for high language aptitude and above average ability. Interviews with participating students made after the completion of the project are the basis of the project evaluation which includes…

This paper argues that progressive pedagogy is a viable alternative to more limited basic skill approaches to school reform. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative data collected during the fourth year of a 7-year multi-site school reform initiative in a besieged urban district, the paper documents ways in which teachers have dramatically altered…

Describes the design and evaluation of a prototype electronic performance support system for use in a university setting that was based on a needs analysis relating to an existing lecture-based course. Performance support for staff and for students is examined, and self-study support material is discussed. (LRW)

The teaching behavior and instructional methods of elementary school teachers were investigated to determine whether teachers with positive attitudes toward mathematics employ different methods in mathematics instruction than those with negative attitudes. Overall, teachers with negative attitudes employed methods that fostered dependency whereas…