Written mainly for the training practitioner who has some experience in the field, this book provides a practical approach for constructing good self-directed learning (SDL) programs. Chapter 1 considers SDL from the academic and business points of view, develops a working definition, and examines SDL's strengths and weaknesses. Part 1 covers development of SDL materials. Chapters 2-6 discuss the following topics: the process of training needs analysis and other planning decisions; how the tasks isolated by the job analysis are turned into objectives and then refined into content for the SDL package; the addition of media into the SDL package; two main components of trainee evaluation--cognitive and performance; and the process of reviewing and piloting the SDL package. Part 2 details SDL implementation. Chapters 7-12 consider the following: preparing the company for SDL, process implementation, the justification for using SDL, the special costs and design problems that are part of SDL's makeup, the actual implementation of a distributed SDL process and the implementation, variables the basics of the learning center implementation, how to create a learning center, and a methodology for evaluating any SDL system. Appendixes and a methodology for evaluating any SDL system. Appendixes include a glossary, 21 references, 238 suggested readings, and an index. (YLB)