An alternative technique, cost-effectiveness analysis, is proposed as a more appropriate way of evaluating the Open University. A rudimentary application of the technique to the cost structure of OU indicates that it could result in a substantial reduction in OU's costs. (Author/LBH)

Open University students, adults in working life, are given several opportunities to mark stages in their progress during each course by graded assignments and final examination. One course teams' introduction of two-stage assignments is reported that includes an optional non-graded first stage. (Author/LBH)

Examines the challenge faced by Australian Universities and Colleges of Advanced Education following publication of the Report of the Committee on Open University to the Universities Commission in 1974. Considers existing external studies programs, the importance of independence as a learning "mode", an experiment in community education,…

Proceedings of AACRAO's 63rd annual meeting cover: admissions criteria for impacted programs; transfer credits; financial aid issues; federal aid; nontraditional credit from external degree programs or noninstructional institutions; and a status report on the CAEL consortium. (LBH)

The Nontraditional Study Program at the University of Missouri-Columbia provides opportunities to adults in farming and agribusiness to earn degrees in agriculture without returning to campus through extension courses and other independent study formats. A survey of student attitudes indicated that students were very favorable toward the program.…

The value of intensive commentary by subject expert teachers on Open University course materials is emphasized. The insights of someone who can alternate the role of reading as a student with that of reading as an expert and teacher are seen as significant in making substantial improvements to course material. (Author/LBH)

A method for making improvements in Open University coursework is reported and its effectiveness assessed. A model of developmental testing, when carried out in the year before presentation of a course, is shown to be a powerful tool for improving that course. Its main characteristics are summarized. (LBH)

The origins of the concept of recurrent education and the claims presently made for it are analyzed, with recurrent education policies in six OECD countries described. Suggestions for clarification of the concept and for cost analysis are offered. (Editor/LBH)

Survey data were collected from Illinois pharmacists to assess interest in an PharmD program. A discriminant analysis showed how employer support, reasons for participation, personal commitment and demographic characteristics contribute to explaining group variance of likely participants. It was found that external program design factors would be…

The use of instructional materials for purposes other than those originally intended is investigated in one section of Britain's Open University, and the possible kinds of materials adaptation and modification are outlined. Implications for curriculum cost reductions are also discussed. (MSE)

The importance to alumni of a nontraditional program and the negotiability of the degree to the alumni, their employers and peers, and graduate schools was examined. Data indicated that the main reasons for selecting a nontraditional program were a flexible schedule and the need to maintain a regular working day. (Author/MLW)

Developmental testing at the Open University is a type of formative evaluation in which a small sample of students work through learning materials to determine their effectiveness. On the basis of student feedback, the material may be accepted as it stands, modified in part, or totally revised before it is produced in its final form for the…

The results of an initial study of the relationship between grades and number of words written on assignments at the Open University are reported. Analysis shows that higher grades are awarded students with longer answers, and suggestions for standardization are made. (LBH)

Tutor attitudes toward the marking of a sample of scripts from a particular course at the Open University were discussed at meetings called the Tutor Agreement Trial. The main object was to lessen the feeling of isolation often experienced by part-time staff teaching at a distance. (LBH)

Results of a questionnaire survey of 67 persons from the nonacademic community who served as Community Faculty are presented. Included are demographic characteristics of the faculty, descriptions of student-faculty relationships, feelings about students, attitudes toward credits for life experience and remuneration, role definitions, and attitudes…