The allocation and use of time are considered important in the context of learning because time can be manipulated, measured, and applied to the design of instructional programs. After a clarification of terminology, an overview of current research on time is offered and policy recommendations discussed. (MJL)

A model of in-class and out-of-class learning in higher education is discussed, and the literature related to out-of-class factors and time factors in teaching-learning is reviewed. Three related models of school learning are briefly reviewed. John Carroll's model (1963) proposes that the degree of student learning is determined by the time needed…

Examines modification of mother-child instruction as a function of age of learner in middle childhood (six versus eight years). Instruction and learning were compared on two tasks designed to simulate school and home activities. Results show more intense instruction of all kinds for the younger children in the school task. (RH)

Reports research on computer assisted instruction (CAI) which has attempted to understand why CAI often accomplishes learning goals in less time and describes the "Beginning Teacher Evaluation Study" which investigated the way students use their time, actual time-on-task, and quality of student involvement with subject content. (EAO)

Research on the influence of instructional time on student achievement has focused on the concept of academic learning time and its major components--allocated time, engaged time, and level of difficulty. This report reviews three studies that concur that increasing allocated time, in itself, has little influence on student achievement. Walberg…

This literature review concludes that, although time spent is not so consistently related to achievement as it may seem, studies of time use in schools provide important information that can serve as a base for school improvement. (MJL)

Describes the Beginning Teacher Evaluation Study, whose purpose was to identify classroom conditions and teaching activities that foster student learning in elementary schools. (Author/JM)

State-of-the-art review suggests extending time in school will increase achievement only modestly--and at great expense. (Author/DCS)