This ERIC Short Report attempts to summarize the main points of "Motivation Theory," as described by Drs. Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan of the University of Rochester in their paper, "Curiosity and Self-Directed Learning: The Role of Motivation in Education.""Motivation theory" research explores reasons for…

This report compares two approaches to incentive motivation in 82 college juniors and seniors, average age 21 years. One method uses will as a motivator; the other method focuses on skill or effective strategy use for enhancing recall and understanding of a particular body of information. In the first approach, a semiweekly test or spotquiz was…

Examines the degree to which experiencing confusion during the acquisition of new academic material differentially affects classroom performance of helpless and mastery-oriented fifth-graders. Provides an initial test of a theoretical approach to understanding differences between male and female performances in different subject areas. (AS)

Recommendations are offered for enhancing the achievement motivation of elementary students with mild disabilities. Recommendations address five areas: learner control, rewards, student interest, classroom structure, and self-efficacy and attributions. A process for implementing these recommendations in the classroom is also provided. (JDD)

This handbook serves a four-fold purpose: (1) it functions as a reference guide for counselors using the Otis Spunkmeyer Student Motivational Program (SMP); (2) individuals in other corporations who are interested in sponsoring their own Student Motivational Program (SMP) may use it to train counselors; (3) it serves as a program overview for…

This book integrates theory, research, and practical issues related to achievement motivation, and provides an overview of current theories in the field, including reinforcement theory, intrinsic motivation, and cognitive theories. The text gives concrete examples and practical guidance for diagnosing and improving students' motivation, focuses on…