In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies key issues teachers face in a multigrade setting, and provides a set of resource guides for multigrade teachers. Book 6 focuses on developing skills and strategies in students that allow for a high level of independence and efficiency in learning. Students can be taught specific strategies that help them make decisions and solve problems on their own, process information effectively, become more reflective about their thinking and learning processes, set their own goals for personal development, and plan ways to achieve those goals. Sections discuss conditions of the learning environment that promote self-directed learning; aspects of student self-management related to self-directed learning (time management, effort management, and motivation); six types of cognitive activities occurring during self-directed learning; benefits of self-directed learning to students and teachers; classroom techniques and conditions that encourage self-directed learning and student motivation; and teacher and student activities for fostering developing self-direction in students. (Contains 28 references and 7 resources.) (SV)