We ask the reader to consider a proposal for cooperative renewal in the evaluation of a course (OurU) offered in partnership between a university and community-based adult learning center. This proposal's aim is to enhance adult learners' ability to evaluate their learning experiences, with the goal of adopting more learner-directed content into…

Flexible learning is an approach which can benefit students with learning difficulties, by meeting learning needs through the flexible management and use of a range of learning activities, environments, and resources, and by giving students increasing responsibility for their own learning and development. The approach involves reflection, review,…

Suggestions for using learner-generated instructional materials in language classrooms are offered. Five criteria serve as a basis for ideas: authenticity, relevance, satisfaction, immediacy, and completeness. Learner-generated materials solve the problems of lack of resources and lack of student motivation. (Contains seven references.) (LB)

Interview data gathered from students in a New Zealand English-as-a-Second-Language program form the basis of a discussion of autonomous behavior in language learning. It is noted that autonomous language learning has advantages over teacher-dominated learning but that it cannot simply be "clipped on" to existing programs. (Contains…

The Internet is a valuable tool to use as a teaching resource, but there are many factors to take into account for Internet delivery--not just how to use the technology most effectively, but also how to assess the results, monitor student progress, and ensure that your materials are used to promote real learning. This second edition examines the…

Based on a second language learning workshop that was a follow-up to the 1990 British conference, "Autonomy in Language Learning," at the Lane End conference center, this report covers the practical implications of the ideas that emerged at the conference. The continuum that encompasses learner autonomy and autonomous learning is…

Maintains that most educational institutions still treat students as dependent children and teach largely irrelevant material. Argues for a broader philosophical examination of the teacher/student roles. Concludes that the juxtaposition of autonomy and dependence, especially with older students may require more subtlety than schools possess. (MJP)

Describes application of collaborative learning in a German business school, focusing on use of self-managed learning and examining the cultural implications for student-directed pedagogies. Strategies for dealing with student resistance are offered, including not taking students' resistant behavior personally, designing many process options,…

Articulates a generalized vision of school reform focusing on student empowerment and learner-controlled instruction. Recommends treating students with respect and dignity as well as encouraging personal development and self-discipline. Envisions a school where individual development is more important than rote learning and arbitrary rules. (MJP)

Technical aids and information technology are the subjects of this document, one of 9 modules in an 11-unit resource pack designed to help trainers and postsecondary and continuing education staff meet the needs of special needs students in Great Britain. Having completed the module, staff should be able to: (1) identify technical aids; (2)…

Defines self-regulated learning as a problem-solving or goal-directed process orchestrated by the student but influenced by others in the student's environment. Discovers that self-regulating programs in Japan and the United States are remarkably similar with some differences. Praises Japanese instructors' emphasis on effort over ability. (MJP)

This publication seeks to give practical assistance to teachers and administrators responsible for teaching large classes at collges and universities in the United Kingdom. Areas covered include class size, problems related to learning and teaching, teaching strategies in specific disciplines, field study experience and other subjects. The 12…

This booklet for teachers describes and explains classroom management based on a student centered format for structured freedom using contracts, learning stations, and learning packages. The booklet is structured as a narrative describing a fictional teacher's visits to a classroom where this approach is successfully implemented. Structured…

Studies and reports examining the problems associated with adult literacy and efforts to address those problems were reviewed to identify lessons for adult literacy programs in Canada and elsewhere. Low literacy levels were linked to above-average rates of personal and/or learning difficulties, low self-esteem, associated social problems, and…

This document presents five papers, each describing different experiences in the introduction, promotion and implementation of innovative adult training approaches aimed at achieving more flexibility in skill development. An introduction (Anatoli Tchaban) presents background information and a synthesis of the studies covering definitions, concepts…