Preparation for university study and integration into the workforce is the academic goal in the final years of secondary education. This preparedness can only be achieved through the motivation and involvement of students in secondary education programs which will lead to successful outcomes. "Engaging Adolescent Students in Contemporary…

Attributions for school success and failure were examined among 112 Native American and 99 Anglo students at a large, urban multi-campus community college system in the Southwest, by using the Multidimensional-Multiattributional Causality Scale. All subjects were in remedial reading classes; 48% were male and 52% were female. Mean age was 24.1,…

The paper reviews research on the effects of motivation on performance of learning disabled children and presents a treatment approach (attribution retraining) designed to help children link their difficulties to factors under their own control. (CL)

Students who expect success but are unwilling to work for it are a source of frustration for teachers. This book offers a set of beliefs and five processes that form the framework for classroom-friendly strategies designed to inspire motivation in students who are giving up. These beliefs are that: (1) all student are capable of learning when they…

Describes research concerned with the way teachers' expressions of sympathy and anger toward failing students influence students' thoughts and self-perceptions. Examines the role that causal attributions play in the understanding and experience of achievement-related affect. (CB)

This booklet synthesizes principles of motivation that have emerged from research examining the effect of motivational practices on school learning. It addresses achievement motivation, intrinsic motivation, goal orientation, and the effect of teacher practices on the promotion of motivational beliefs, motivation strategies, and willpower. It also…

A readmission policy for students who were academically dismissed at Salisbury State College is described. The policy allows the student to make the decision of whether or not to return as a matriculated student the next semester. A description of the process and an analysis of the consequences are presented. (MLW)

The author suggests strategies for forcing success on students who seem determined to fail and for altering their negative opinions of their own ability. (SJL)

Argues that current grading practices in some schools lack consistency in several critical areas, including criteria for failure, absolute or relative standards, and motivation of slower students. Policies are suggested that will help educators develop fairer and more humane marking systems. (TE)

The advantages and requirements for offering a second chance to students who have failed, by forgiving a poor academic record, are discussed and supported by findings from a survey of institutions and the results of several experimental programs. (MSE)

Presents research findings regarding motivation's role in music education. Explains that students in grades five through eight provided reactions to a fictitious band student's experience with failure. Reports that many respondents believed that the student would perform better, try harder, and receive the teacher's and fellow students' support in…

Suggests that music education by its nature is well suited to meeting the special needs of at-risk students. Discusses the role of music in motivating and enabling students to succeed. Defines the causes of failure as inability and lack of desire to learn when at-risk students receive the wrong kind of instruction. (DK)

Because intermediate grade students were not working up to their potential, a coordinator of elementary school instruction implemented a practicum to increase students' motivation. In-service meetings were held with six intermediate grade teachers from each of two schools for the purpose of planning techniques and devising activities for…

Although ability partly explains why some students are eager to learn in school whereas others are disinterested, motivation is another significant factor. This newsletter discusses factors that affect students' motivation to learn, considers techniques that can increase motivation, and identifies schools that have developed activities to enhance…

This module, prepared by the Minnesota State Department of Education in conjunction with its school effectiveness program, addresses the concept of teacher expectations. The first section delineates the feedback process involved in teacher expectations and lists nonacademic factors that can adversely influence a teacher's academic expectations for…