Date of Award

8-1979

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Education

First Advisor

Leopold Smigelski

Second Advisor

Boyd Morros

Abstract

This project outlines the development and implementation of an individualized program for the Learning Resource Center (LRC) at Roach School. Initiated in response to organizational shifts—including the adoption of the Individually Guided Education (I.G.E.) model, restructuring due to desegregation, and expanded special education services—the program addresses the growing need for differentiated learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Marian Woyna’s work emphasizes a shift from a passive LRC role to an active, instructional one, supporting students across a range of academic abilities and personal interests. Drawing on the theories of confluent education and the Prester Theory of brain function, the program is designed to create a non-threatening, engaging learning environment that stimulates curiosity, promotes autonomy, and supports positive self-image.

The individualized program incorporates several components: interest centers, learning activity packages, contracts, study guides, and educational games. These tools are carefully developed to accommodate different learning styles, encourage exploration, and provide immediate feedback. Special attention is given to fostering self-directed learning and providing success experiences for students, including those in gifted and special education programs.

The program also integrates motivational strategies such as “Library Parties,” where students earn points through participation and receive recognition or rewards, further reinforcing engagement. Early results show increased use of the LRC, broader student participation, and notable improvements in self-esteem and responsibility among learners.

This initiative demonstrates how an effectively structured and theory-informed program can transform a Learning Resource Center into a dynamic hub of individualized education. It offers a replicable model for schools seeking to enhance student learning through tailored, student-centered approaches.

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