Describes a competency-based instruction (CBI) system in which a student must regularly demonstrate satisfactory understanding or performance of specified competencies in order to proceed to new materials. Reports mastery and timing results suggesting more efficient learning in a CBI system. (Author/GS)

Self-paced and lecture versions of a general geology course were taught by the same instructor using identical exams and nearly identical instructional materials. No significant differences were found in apparent scholastic abilities, exam results, or levels of satisfaction with the course. Enrollment was notably higher in the lecture version.…

Describes a competency-based, modular laboratory course emphasizing the synthesis and characterization of polymers and directed toward senior undergraduate and/or first-year graduate students in science and engineering. One module, free-radical polymerization kinetics by dilatometry, is included as a sample. (CS)