The study investigated the behavior of 40 adults while planning, conducting, and supervising their own learning. Those interviewed recalled that they performed for themselves several major tasks of the professional educator. Deciding on activities, obtaining resources, estimating performance levels, choosing goals, deciding when to learn, and dealing with difficult parts were the most common tasks. These tasks required much time and caused some difficulty and concern. The typical self-teacher received help on six of the nine tasks performed, and from many individuals (ranging from four to 31, mean 10.6). Resource persons were of various types, with friends, family, and colleagues most common and librarians least common. The relative importance of the various types of helpers varied according to the task. (Also available on loan from the author, College of Education, University of Toronto, Toronto 5, Ontario, Canada). (ly)