Some causes for reliability problems in tutor-marked assignments are discussed: factors relating to the questions such as ambiguous, overloaded, hidden agenda, and unrealistic questions; variations caused by differing tutor notes; and students not answering the question, scales and standards, rounding and partial scores, and bonus marks. (JMF)

Essay assignments provide a major portion of students' grades in most Open University curricula. The main educational objectives of essay questions are relevance and the ability to argue a thesis in the light of the course material. (JMF)

Presents a follow-up study gauging the reactions of an Open University Course Team to the developmental testing of the broadcast element of their course. Problems in modifying the television component are identified and conditions necessary for the broadcast component to be tested and modified are suggested. (Author/CMV)

Twelve issues are identified to be considered in planning external degrees. (MM)

Reflection by 15 nurses in the Regents College Nursing Program, an external degree program based on four criterion-referenced tests, uncovered motivations for selecting the program, clarified such needs as support networks and learning resources, and revealed a pervasive pattern of stress that affected exam preparation and performance. (SK)

This is a brief review of the development of the external degree program in New York State and in England. The author suggests that American universities may wish to consider the external degree as a device for taking higher education out to new markets. (Editor)

Described a program which will develop degree programs for adult students in three overlapping phases, following the pattern of development of the external degree in the United States. (Author/RK)

Describes new concepts of course and residency at Union Graduate School. (DW)

By converting local technical colleges to community-oreinted colleges, making the Open University more work-related, and encouraging interdisciplinary trends between degrees, the difficulties in access between education and work will be lessened. (Author/PG)

College Instittions have begun to use the dispersed campus, outreach and external degree programs, and new technology to meet the space needs of new programs and a widened constitutency. Explores the solution of relying on noncampus facilities and programs. (Author/DN)

Major policies and recommended procedures for the accreditation of graduate programs is presented. The policies and procedures discussed apply to all institutions offering graduate work that are accredited or seek accreditation, including "newer" types such as external degree programs, programs established for highly specialized student…

This article discusses a recently developed educational alternative in the United States. This is the "university without walls," characterized by independent study combined with vocational training. (Text is in German.) (Author/AM)

Guidelines are presented for an approach to specification of competencies appropriate to Extended Degree Programs, i.e., the course or program translation approach. Program designers begin by identifying a number of courses or curriculum areas, then deductively reducing them to competency statements of greater specificity until instructional…

Non-traditional study has brought equivalency programs for adults, in-service education programs, institutes and special courses, continuing education centers, and external degrees. The key features of the non-traditional approach to education are redefinition of the roles of student and teacher, the use of learning contracts, and the multiplicity…