A course option in abnormal psychology involves students in interviewing and observing the activities of individuals in the off-campus community who are concerned with some aspect of abnormal psychology. The technique generates student interest in the field when they interview people about topics such as drug abuse, transsexualism, and abuse of…

Describes a writing course for undermotivated students which focuses on careful precise observations through the study of other time periods in the history of the town where the school is located. (DD)

An art project which involved secondary students in painting cars for homecoming is described. Tempera paint was used because it washes off. (RM)

The target: better readers. The plan of action: synchronize topics, bulletin boards, contracts, books. (Editor)

One way art teachers can motivate emotionally disturbed 5- to 12-year-old children who suffer from fear of failure and poor self-concepts is through the sharing of a book or record. A relaxed, safe atmosphere established through readings or songs allows children with special needs to experiment and express themselves through art. (RM)

A distance perception survey was used to get college students enrolled in a human geography course involved and interested in the topic of perception. Students were asked to arrange 12 European capitals in sequence according to their distance from Amsterdam. Survey results are presented. (RM)

An issue-oriented approach to the teaching of personality involved students from one class in formal debates with students from another class. Evaluation of student attitudes and achievement in the course showed that high motivation and sharpened critical thinking resulted from the course design. (Author/AV)

This paper presents suggested readings to aid instructors in honing their teaching skills. As a point of departure 20 IDEA Teaching Methods are used. Readings are divided into four categories: communicating content and purpose, involving students, creating enthusiasm, and preparing exams. Helpful material is suggested for specific topics within…

Addresses the problem of lack of student motivation in an introductory course on U.S. politics. Describes a course centered around a small group project that requires students to gain government action on a group proposal. Presents project format. Discusses student successes and failures. Includes suggestions for course implementation. (RW)

An art project that involved middle school students in picking a story, making puppet characters, and filming a television show is described. The students also made television commercials. (RM)

This art project involved fifth graders in producing one-minute television commercials. The subject matter for the commercials was determined by school events. The commercials were shown several weeks before the special event they advertised. (RM)

How the topic of intrinsic motivation can be used as the theoretical framework to guide an undergraduate educational psychology course within the teacher education curriculum is described. Three motivation exercises, developed using the concepts of R. deCharms, are included. A preliminary assessment of the technique showed favorable results. (RM)

The introduction of nontraditional teaching techniques into a solid framework of traditional teaching can greatly increase student motivation and attention. Nontraditional methods involve students as dynamic actors in the educational process in three ways: by increasing student motivation, maximizing the level of subtlety or detail achieved, and…

Describes a Sports English class for tenth grade athletes at Vero Beach Senior High School (Florida) in which Sports Illustrated and local newspaper's sports section are required reading to capitalize on students' interests and revive reading and writing skills. Learning activities, student attitudes, and future course adaptations are discussed.…

Describes a secondary U.S. history course in which students study the impact of industrialization on U.S. culture and society. Asserts that assignments in which students create political cartoons, poetry, posters or other visual products enhance student interest and provide diverse evaluation strategies. (CFR)