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 manual adapts the pedagogy used on the playing field, the studio, and the stage to the classroom. This method, called "Pep Talk," encourages teachers to: (1) create a need to know; (2) challenge students to know; (3) show how to know; (4) apply know-how; and (5) know how to inspire cooperation. Pep talk is the method coaches use when they…

Describes how letters from the author's son acted as a major motivational technique to involve students in a remedial reading class. (DD)

Presents the concept of using posters that deliver their message in a cartoon format and language aimed at engaging the attention of secondary school students to promote awareness of the relevance of physics and generate enthusiasm for physics among students. Provides information for ordering the posters. (JRH)

Discusses the failure of students with learning disabilities to complete their homework assignments, lists criteria for planning assignments to motivate secondary students, and offers suggestions on procedures and outcomes for inviting students to participate in the assignment completion process. An Assignment Idea Chart is provided. (CR)

As a supplement to the available games for use in teaching, two writing games are presented, with suggestions for their use. They are recommended as a motivating device. A list of pertinent works on the subject is also provided. (IFS/WGA)

Advocates use of students' interests to develop "learning starters" (anything from the students' world with which they can become involved) as a motivational strategy in open classrooms. Identifies and discusses three major categories of learning starters: large group presentations, small group interactions, and independent study. (JD)

The article describes a data-based method by which teachers can differentiate motivational problems from learning problems and increase the academic performance of learners with mildly handicapping conditions. The method involves graphing work attempted and percentage correct, reinforcing work attempted, and analyzing performance data for…

Keeping a journal of classroom experiences can help students express their understandings of the concepts they learn in school and how the lessons relate to their own lives. An eight-item reference list is provided. (Author)

Motivating music students to practice is a perennial concern for teachers and parents. Behavioral contracts, in which the teacher or parent guarantees a certain reward in return for the student completing a designated task, is one solution. How to construct a contract is discussed. A sample contract is included. (RM)

The article raises concerns about educational approaches which rely heavily on extrinsic reinforcers and offers instructional guidelines to promote intrinsic motivation in children with learning problems. Stressed is the importance of mediational dynamics between teacher and student in the learning process. (DB)

Emphasizing reading and writing, this booklet discusses the concept of motivation and examines the many factors that influence an at-risk learner in the classroom learning environment. Chapters in the booklet highlight such topics as identification of at-risk learners, various motivational theories, personal and cognitive influencing factors, a…

This document offers teaching tips to be used if, on administration of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ), a class were to present a profile of scores that would suggest the need for help in one or more of the motivation or learning strategies areas assessed by the MSLQ. Some tips are supported by research; others are based…

Guidelines for use by school practitioners in assessing students' motivation to learn are presented. Most of the instruments reviewed and literature discussed pertain primarily to the academic motivation and achievement of students in kindergarten through grade 12. Most are paper-and-pencil, self-report, group-administered measures that can be…

Recounts how a teacher used herself as a model to motivate black students to speak standard English. (JL)