Twelve graduate students from a variety of fields who were enrolled in a qualitative research class met in an informal setting that facilitated a collaborative learning mode--defined in this presentation as a method of group interaction whereby all members learn from each other's experiences, scholarship, and skills. The first of the six papers…

This study investigated the effects of self-directed videotape experiences upon the self-concept of delinquent males. The self-directed process is a method of self-expression, and included videotape recording and playback, viewing motion picture films, and discussions. The dimensions of self-concept tested through the Self Social Symbols Task were…

This newsletter contains 14 items on cooperative learning and outdoor education, with a particular focus on environmental education and ecology. "Cooperative Teaching/Learning Strategies and Objectives in Outdoor/Environmental Education" by Clifford E. Knapp is about cooperative teaching and learning strategies in outdoor education and…

Seventy-seven fourth- and fifth-grade students were placed in either a cooperative or a competititve learning structure and the teacher either supported or did not support their decision-making competence. As hypothesized, students whose teacher supported them indicated that they were more confident and committed to making a classroom decision…

This paper analyzes some of the educational assumptions that underlie the use of free-choice situations in the classroom and describes a study that examined the effects of giving students control over their curriculum. Subjects for the study were 38 fourth- and fifth-grade-students in a low-income school. Students were divided into two groups that…

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,…

Efforts of Native organizations, coordinated through the National Indian Brotherhood, resulted early in 1973 in acceptance by the Canadian Department of Indian Affairs of the policy paper, "Indian Control of Indian Education", which legally gives Indian, Metis, and Inuit people control over their own schools. The paper explains the…

Through review of literature of biology, psychology, and education, critical needs were identified for human development and a theory of education was synthesized to meet these needs. The consequent Structure for Self-Directed Education (STRUSD Education) was operationalized as Treatment A and tested in an educational psychology course. STRUSD…

Describes six student-centered educational programs developed to put the emphasis for learning on the student. (Author/DN)

Article discusses the benefits of providing children with an educational environment that allows students to develop from their own motivation rather than at the direction of the teacher. (RK)

Networking is a process in which people and resources are engaged through intentional acts based upon acquired skills. The term is associated with self-directed learning and can serve as a collaborative rather than a competitive educational principle. "People" and "program" networks for graduate education and identification of networking skills…

Discusses how the interrelationship and growth emphasized by the Native American sweat lodge ceremony and "the talking circle" can provide a richer understanding of group counseling. Details each ceremony and explores the implications of practices that are based on cultural traditions, arguing that such traditions can enrich the group…

Compared group cognitive therapy (CT); focused expressive psychotherapy; and supportive, self-directed therapy (S/SD) among 63 patients with major depressive disorder. Results suggest that patient characteristics can be used differentially to assign psychotherapy types. Externalizing patients and low defensive patients improved more in CT;…

This paper describes an innovative course in educational administration and presents students' reactions to the experience. The class was based on the constructivist perspective, which emphasizes the individual's construction of reality through dialogue, observation, writing, and reflection. The class was organized to focus students on the purpose…