The Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) program at the University of Minnesota is a primary academic support program for historically difficult, introductory college courses that serve as gatekeepers to academic degree programs. Based upon operating principles of other academic support programs and educational theories, PAL is integrated into the courses…

Reviews the growth of self-help groups and the current status of the movement. Suggests ways in which counselors can draw upon such groups in their professional practicies. Includes suggestions for evaluating groups and resources on self-help groups. (Author/ABB)

The author describes an instructional model intended to enhance each learner's capacity for self-direction and intellectual responsibility. This article examines ground rules of the instructional format, theoretical bases, the experience of collaborative learning and team-building, use of panelists, and participants' evaluations of the model. (CT)

This study investigated the usefulness of pre-recorded counseling intervention with students in order to answer such questions as: How is the technique best implemented? With whom? Under what conditions? What outcomes might be expected? It was concluded that the merit of the Encountertape program has yet to be proved. (Author)

The Paracollege of St. Olaf College is an experimental program in which students participate in a self-directed study curriculum where no grades are given and students work at their own pace. This document presents the results of a study designed to find out what image is held of the Paracollege by those enrolled in the regular curriculum at St.…

This report describes the results of two surveys designed to gain information about conditions of implementation and extent of utilization of Individually Guided Motivation (IGM) in schools across the country. The objectives and motivational principles of the IGM system and the instructional programming model on which it is based are presented in…

Two studies of the Self-Directive Dramatization Project are reported. In the first the relationship of dramatization, self-concept, and reading achievement in middle class children in grades 2 through 7 was examined, and in the second mostly black disadvantaged children in grades 1 through 4 were studies. Both groups of children dramatized stories…

The first year of a new program, in which students were expected to take responsibility for their own education, is evaluated in this report. Study was almost entirely independent; students usually worked at their own rate and used the teacher as a resource person. Parental and community involvement was emphasized. Volunteers worked at the school,…

In spring 1974, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) embarked on a specific project related to Indian control of schools. The objective was to have, by the end of FY 75, at least 1/4 (50) of the bureau schools operating under a management system chosen by those served by the schools. This report reflects progress on the project, covering June, July,…

Describes a career development project that addresses the special needs of disabled adults by: (1) developing a multimedia-based, self-directed career planning program; (2) providing a training program for 15 disabled adults working as paraprofessional career guidance technicians; and (3) establishing linkages with educational institutions and…

The report covers a project in the Bangor junior high schools running from the first week in October 1973 to the last week in April 1974. The study sought to find a way to upgrade the career guidance program at the junior high level with little cost in counselor time. Three junior high schools supplied the ninth grade students to be used for…

The University of Chicago's Teacher Training Conference provided for an examination of opinion and research from the field of adult basic education; practice in skill development and application; an experience of an urban community; and encounters which centered on personal, political, and educational ideology. This report describes the planning…

Summaries of studies or experiments dealing with some aspect of independent study are compiled in this report. The papers include: (1) "The Future of Self-Directed Study," by Howard E. Gruber; (2) "Freshman Seminars at Harvard," by Eric W. Shaw; (3) "Independent Study in Honors Programs," by Philip I. Mitterling; (4)…

In recent times the ultimate role of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in Alaskan education has been questioned, focusing on how much longer the BIA will operate schools and what form, if any, BIA education will have within and following the next 5 years. Therefore, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs (former Area Director for the Juneau Area…

In developing a program for the professional development of supervisors, cooperating teachers, and student teachers, consideration was given to traditional observation methods. These methods focus upon observing: (1) the organization of independent study; (2) activities designed to enhance learning as it relates to goals of the classroom; (3)…