The use of independent study contracts as a method of individualizing educational planning for the gifted allows gifted students to pursue in depth a topic or field of study, to use outside resources when appropriate, to make decisions about the mode and media to be used, and to assume some responsibility for their own learning. (SBH)

Briefly presents a rationale for including chamber music performance in the high school music curriculum. Describes a pilot independent study course in which students could earn credit through string quartet performance. The course syllabus, scheduling, and contract grading system are discussed. (SJL)

This worksheet is intended to assist adult basic education teachers in organizing personal learning projects. Based on the learning approach advocated by Malcolm Knowles and a teacher training model developed through Project ACT, the worksheet includes information on the attributes of good teachers and development of a contract for self-directed…

Background information and resources to help students in grades 9-12 in Texas pursue an individual study contract in applied music is presented. To fulfill a contract students must publicly perform from memory, with accompaniment as specified, three selections from a list of approved music for their chosen field (instrument or voice). Material…

This publication offers teachers and principals a program for customizing schooling to individual students' learning needs and motivating them to take increased responsibility for deciding what and how to learn. It presents a comprehensive framework for introducing self-directed learning (SDL) approaches in the classroom. Nine chapters include:…

This publication shows step-by-step how trainers may use self-organized learning (SOL) to achieve real and lasting change within an organization at all levels. Each of the eight chapters begins with an "agenda board" outlining the contents and ends with a section featuring suggested activities for developing the skills. An introduction…

A preservice teacher education course in educational psychology focused on students (n=67) taking greater responsibility for learning through exposure to a variety of learning experiences, including curriculum negotiation, peer discussion and teaching, learning contracts, self/peer/collaborative assessment, and critical reflection. Locus of…

A tutorial program in English as a Second Language, in which the tutors were prospective teachers, is described and evaluated for general procedure, scheduling, teacher-student contact, use of instructional materials, oral practice, error correction strategy, and student attitudes and performance. (MSE)

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…