A history of the Open University of Great Britain, its role as a leader in nontraditional education, and its influence on programs in the United States and elsewhere. (LS)

Three external degree programs--National Ed.D. Program for Educational Leaders, Nova University (Florida); University External Studies Program, University of Pittsburgh; and Field Centered Courses, Department of Early Childhood Education, Kent State University--are compared on the basis of a series of questions. Is the course designed for a…

An analysis of the underlying concepts and unique contributions of learning contracts to higher education.

Eight guidelines for contract learning-type programs are presented under the headings (1) supplying rationales, (2) focusing on the faculty, (3) assessing faculty performance, (4) assessing student readiness, (5) assessing the costs, (6) students as researchers, (7) how much academic credit, and (8) agents of change. Focus is on the faculty as…

The Institute for Personal and Career Development of Central Michigan University offers external degree programs for adult learners using nontraditional study. The competency-based programs described include credit given for the educational background and relevant career-life experiences of registered nurses in Michigan. (Author/LBH)

Los Angeles' International College is a small, private, unaccredited college with 174 students and without classrooms, library or student center. Its chief assets are the intellects and worldwide reputations of many of its tutors who work closely with student apprentices. (LBH)

The development of a student-centered approach to learning to study is described, and its strengths and weaknesses are noted. Two study skills workshops run by the Open University are also outlined, along with practical tips on how to make them work. (LBH)

In the last decade, the questioning of traditional teaching and learning methods and instructional systems and the search for more effective alternatives have gained momentum. Recent trends are grouped and discussed, including individualized instruction, multimedia instruction, peer teaching, student evaluations of teachers, teacher training…

The directory presents comprehensive information on the availability of 22 external degree programs and other innovative educational programs and is aimed at drug abuse personnel. The programs presented are diverse, with many offering credit for life experience and incorporating a variety of independent learning programs. Programs are arranged…

The materials contained in this package are designed to aid Community College of Vermont (CCV) associate degree students in the development and implementation of their own written, individualized, competence-based learning contracts. As development of the contract requires both assessment of prior learning and planning for sponsored learning, the…

The initiation of an individualized baccalaureate degree at the General College of the University of Minnesota led to an increased burden on the faculty. A study identifying how much "real time" faculty spend in advising, with whom, and on what kinds of activities is presented. (JMF)

Six selected nontraditional approaches to curriculum at the University of Minnesota, each leading to a baccalaureate degree, are described. The programs are designed to provide flexibility to students enrolled in the university or to extend a university education to people not otherwise served. Each involves individual student selection of work to…

Central Michigan University has been operating an external degree program for the Honolulu Model Cities Program since February 1972. The Institute for Personal and Career Development (IPCD) is the component that extends the goals of the program--equal access to education for personal enrichment, career alternatives, and increased upward…

In 1977, almost 60 percent of all Open University courses were using audio and visual media in combination: either sound broadcasting with visual materials or audio-vision with the sound distributed on cassette or discs. Research has shown that students prefer radio-vision to radio alone. It appears that future growth may be in the area of…

Within broad guidelines provided by the Community College of Vermont (CCV), associate degree students write their own individualized, competence-based contracts. Development of the contract includes both assessment of prior learning, and planning for sponsored learning: These are integrated through a "degree development sequence" which includes a…