The authors discuss positive and negative implications of learning contracts for classroom oriented programs. They show how themes and purposes can be organized within learning contracts, using examples from courses at Empire State College in New York. For journal availability, see SO 505 438. (Author/AV)

Two baccalaureate-level programs that sought to make their educational outcomes explicit within competency-based education (CBE) are compared. The CBE programs in social work, the learning contracts involved, and assessment techniques are described for programs at the University of Montana and the University of Georgia.

The self-directed learning guide consists of three parts: The Learner, The Teacher, and Learning Resources. Part 1 contains four inquiry projects which examine the importance of self-directed learning, its assumptions, required competencies, and learning plan design. The nature of the inquiry between author and teacher in Part 2 is to explore the…

Evaluation of prior learning for the External Degree Program at Florida International University is described. Efforts in the following areas are presented: (1) implementation and evaluation of the competency-based assessment tool, (2) integration of the assessment process with other processes of the External Degree Program and the entire…