A pilot pull-out program for the gifted in British Columbia, Canada (grades five, six, and seven) is described, and evaluation results are presented. Thinking and communication skills are developed through games, field trips, individual projects, multiple problem-solving tasks, and challenging work in fields such as fine arts, history, and…

At Metropolitan State University, the Individualized Educational Planning Course was a response to adult students' unique curriculum needs. Students learn university expectations of quality; plan solid, individualized degrees; examine what it means to be an educated person; pursue knowledge actively and successfully through informed choices; and…

Provides a series of guidelines for overcoming resistance and problems with cooperative projects in an introductory sociology course. These include coordinating common interests and common free time between team members, requiring allocation of various roles (presider, scribe, coordinator), and ongoing monitoring of the research teams. (MJP)

Reports on Carroll Community College's Home Care Challenge program, an integrated, customized curriculum designed to upgrade the literacy and communication skills of home health care providers. The program uses independent study learning activity packets that teach personal and professional skills needed by employers. (VWC)

Describes the research rationale for the developmental course offered to entering students at Upsala College (NJ) called "Precise Thinking." This skills-development program integrates reading, writing, and mathematical skills with underlying metacognitive processes to teach students perseverance and strategies for problem-solving and self-directed…

This year-long research project encourages student involvement, promotes a sense of mastery, involves the school community, and attempts to provide an incentive for senior Montessori students to continue learning. The curriculum describes the process of choosing a topic, researching, writing, editing, production of the final product, and the oral…

Discusses mixed ability teaching within the British comprehensive foreign language educational system. Findings reveal that the British system will not soon return to selective modern language teaching (MLT) focusing on grammar and translation, and it is concluded that differentiation is the key to successful MLT for the next century. (CK)

Presents a model of instructional design which links cognitive learning theory and instructional prescriptions. Topics discussed include knowledge types and knowledge acquisition; memory system components; learning time; learning objectives, including skills, cognitive strategies, and creative processes; instructional methods that relate to…

Three computer programs for the Apple II family are reviewed: (1) "Super Vocab Machine"--vocabulary self-tutorial; (2) "Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures: A Matter of Mystery"--database for the elements; and (3) "That's Life: Human Body Exploration"--information about the human body. (MVL)

Defines electronic information services and the competencies required for librarians providing them. Highlights include personal characteristics; basic skills, including computer use, navigation, and word processing; general knowledge, including information storage and retrieval, copyright, and ethics; and education, including formal education,…

Describes an experience with Do-It-Yourself Placement (DIYP), a procedure to cope with problems arising from a combination of large classes and an emphasis on analytic grammar skills to the neglect of reading and writing skills relevant to the context of study. Obstacles to change in approaches to second-language teaching are discussed. (13…

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)

A survey of 114 U.S. and Canadian medical schools gathered information about the content, organization, and teaching methods of microanatomy courses. Results suggest the courses are relatively conventional, with development of computer-assisted instruction being impeded by availability of other, less-expensive self-instructional tools.…

Describes practical applications of distance education programs serving the disabled based on the experiences of the Independent Study program at the University of Wisconsin-Extension. Issues include information dissemination, planning, instruction, testing, and faculty training and support. (Author/AEF)

Identifies the ideas influencing the rise of autonomy and self-direction in educational milieus. Also discussed are the background of minority rights movements, shifts in educational philosophy, reactions against behaviorism, and wider access to education. Research into learning strategies has contributed directly to these changes. (73 references)…