Biographies provide the opportunity for identification, not only with those who are great today but also with those who have lived greatly in the past. Biographies fulfill students' needs for identification with someone who is admirable. Examples of inspiring life stories, sources of such stories, and questions are included. (JD)

This article examines different manifestations of verbal talent and how teachers can identify and cultivate special verbal abilities in students. The provision of role models relevant to students' interests is stressed and a list of recommended biographies is included, as are literary experiences available to student writers. The relationship of…

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

Presented is a discussion of the state of undergraduate education in science and engineering based on the interviews with a number of college students. Discussed are the underlying issues: recruitment, motivation, retention, curriculum, teaching incentives, role models and mentoring, hands-on experience, the nerd image, and quality of life. (KR)

Sex role conflicts, multiple interests and abilities, and the lack of same-sex role models can create formidable obstacles to gifted girls in achieving their occupational potential. Values clarification, exposure to women who successfully combine two roles, and mentorship programs help to address the career development of these students. (CB)

Theories of Piaget, Erickson, Freud, and other behavioral psychologists are reviewed in an examination of the development of adolescent self-concept. The implications, for the physical education teacher or athletic coach, of the adolescent's self-consciousness and egocentricity are discussed. It is suggested that the physical education teacher is…

A Hall of Fame was established by the El Rancho Unified School District (California) to identify and honor graduates of the school district who have graduated more than 15 years ago, who have achieved recognition in their chosen field, and who would bring honor to the school district in its honoring of them. Nominees for the Hall of Fame were…

A review of literature focuses on the literacy acquisition process of deaf children who acquire American Sign Language (ASL) as a first language and written English as a second language. Literacy in this context is defined broadly to include the context and culture in which reading and writing occur, referring to the strong connection between…

This document is a manual for training personnel working with programs in the New York State Mentoring Program (NYSMP), which promotes mentoring as a way of motivating children to stay in school and make successful transitions to adulthood. Section 1 treats the state program's operating structure, covering general broad objectives, a mentoring…

This brochure, one in a series of four, is designed to assist people working in schools and in the community as they work together to encourage girls in mathematics, science, and engineering. Six sections discuss the reasons for and ways to work together to make changes. The first section describes what special programs can offer schools, and…

To understand how to best motivate the Mexican American student, one must look not only to the factors considered relevant to achievement in mainstream Anglo American society, but also to specific problems faced by this minority group. Language barriers, cultural differences, economic background, and family attitudes combine to affect the…

The major purpose of this guide is to show teachers of kindergarten through third grade students how to create an environment in which young learners can begin to develop the thinking and behavioral skills they will need to function effectively in their school and personal lives. It is based on an educational philosophy, the Responsive Education…

This practicum was designed to assist 62 incoming, at-risk, ninth-grade students to acquire the knowledge, motivation, interest, and skills necessary to make a successful transition to high school. Primary objectives were to reduce the number of disciplinary infractions; decrease school absences; involve more of the students in school-related…

This brochure, one in a series of four, is designed to assist school, community, and university personnel as they develop and refine programs to encourage girls in mathematics, science, and engineering. The information is divided into seven sections. The first section discusses four reasons why programs that encourage girls to enroll in…

There are no quick and easy tips to motivating American Indian students into graduate education. The decision to make a commitment of time and money to graduate training, particularly at the doctoral level, and the ability to succeed in such a program, is affected by a number of factors: (1) parental and peer encouragement; (2) awareness of career…