A series of tutorials was re-designed to further engage students in spiral learning and highlight development of transferable skills. The tutorials focused on self-directed and enquiry-based learning, both of which provided particular challenges to students and staff. The students were randomly allocated a media article related to psychology as a…

Self-directed learning (SDL), is an essential concept in problem-based learning (PBL), and, in a broader sense, student-centred learning. Considering the complex nature of SDL, it has been taken for granted and given a shallow meaning, i.e. self-study. In order to develop a deeper understanding and make use of the potential in SDL, this paper…

Examines the origin and development of the Learning Assistance Center at California State University-Long Beach, which offers classroom support, individualized self-paced instruction, and tutorial services. Provides a rationale for the learning assistance support system and describes programs, services, and management features. (DMM)

The Computerized Braille Tutor is an interactive software tutorial that sighted persons can use to learn the literary braille code. The software presents 15 lessons that address different aspects of the literary braille code and include braille-translation exercises, proofreading exercises, and graded self-evaluation proficiency tests. (Author)

A description is provided of Los Angeles Valley College's Life Science Learning Center (LSLC), which provides: (1) a resource center addressed to the individualized learning needs of students served by the Biology Department; (2) a learning environment enabling students to proceed in self-paced, activity-centered, concept-oriented experiences in…

The article describes a senior elective in virology developed at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine. Students work independently through a series of course units, selecting 12 study topics from a catalog of 35 topics in medical virology and discussing their reading daily with the professor. (DB)

This report provides a comprehensive description and record of all academic support services provided to students through the South Plains College Learning Center. After an introductory statement clarifies the ever-increasing need for academic support services at open-door institutions, a philosophy and mission statement and a detailed description…

This document presents a collection of papers presenting an array of innovative approaches in higher education and offers papers and case studies of a variety of nontraditional activities. Some of the topics cover closed circuit TV and audio-tutorial instruction in veterinary science and medicine; televised graduate level engineering courses; the…

Describes the establishment and operation of adult Individual Learning Centres in New South Wales (Australia) colleges to provide a flexible alternative to existing college preparatory courses. The Centres include alternative instructional methods, individual study, self-instructional materials, open entry/exit arrangements, and teacher tutoring.…

The problems of resource allocation and management within open learning systems in colleges of further and higher education in Britain are discussed in this paper, with particular focus on the deployment of academic staff. First, the components of open learning systems are outlined; e.g., providing materials for students' private study, grading…

Described are some of the teaching innovations used in a large university chemistry department in Britain. They include diagnostic testing and individual tutoring; self-instruction centers for remedial teaching, complementary services, and specialist materials; new laboratory approaches; and innovations to develop skills needed by chemistry…

The reports of two innovative approaches to overcoming education problems in the isolated, sparsely populated areas of Western Australia are presented. Established in 1974, the Isolated Students Matriculation Scheme has combined traditional forms of correspondence education with a curriculum development unit and the development of mechanisms to…

Programs designed to enable Australian aborigines who had not successfully completed high school to qualify for science- and mathematics-related courses in higher education emphasize diagnostic testing, individualized instruction, short-term goals, and learner independence. Tutors have instructional, management, and support roles. Some early…

This manual describes the vocational support services team (VSST)model used by Hagerstown Junior College (HJC) in its program at the Maryland Correctional Training Center. The program, which offers two-year associate degrees in Accounting and Business, and Administration of Justice, incorporates a system of individual diagnosis, prescription and…

Components of the Reading/Writing Skills Center (RWSC) at General College, University of Minnesota, are described and assessed in this paper. The paper discusses changes made in the RWSC during 1978-79; procedures followed when students first come to the RWSC; the training and responsibilities of the undergraduate RWSC tutors; student evaluations…