Suggestions for motivating gifted underachieving secondary students include independent study projects for credit, science fair projects, curriculum compacting, the use of adult mentors, and other approaches which emphasize building on student interests. (DB)

Unmotivated and/or slow learning high-school students learned to effectively use consumer information sources by writing reports that justified the hypothetical purchase of a particular automobile. Presented are procedures for setting up the project, a timeline/lesson plan for the unit, grading system, and outcomes. (JDD)

The "Great Brain" project motivates elementary school students to participate in educational projects by encouraging inquiry, interaction, and identity. Students use research and creative skills to study and report on a topic, interact with parents and peers in developing and presenting the report, and receive wide recognition for their efforts.…

A teacher describes activities to increase elementary students' active involvement in their science education. Activities involve development of observational skills, increasing self-motivation, developing prediction skills, and cooperating in joint learning activities. (DB)

The use of student projects as teaching-learning activities is discussed. Numerous projects, the work of college students enrolled in American literature, journalism, and composition classes are described. The motivational value of projects is seen as an important aspect of this approach. (JMD)

Constructing a miniature city motivates students to participate in a variety of learning experiences. (RL)

Briefly describes 15 different projects initiated by elementary school teachers which offer new ideas for motivating students. (CM)

Teaching the basic course in speech communication can be challenging in many ways. A class debate revitalizes the course, while offering an excellent means for evaluating learning at the end of a semester course. Proficient use of interpersonal skills is necessary to organize group members and control group discussion; sufficient knowledge of…

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

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)

To motivate her eleventh-grade honors classes to study "Moby Dick," the author had the students publish newspapers to entertain the crew of the "Pequod" on its long voyage. (Author/SJL)

An approach that will heighten secondary school students' interest in the study of local government and allow even poor readers to participate is described. Students analyze local county budgets and use a variety of resources, including textbooks and guest speakers, to find plausible answers to their own questions. (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)

Ways to keep children's minds on school as summer approaches include: (1) saving exciting topics or student projects for the last weeks of school; (2) going outside for activities that take advantage of the weather; (3) building finish-up stations where pupils can complete last-minute work; and (4) helping children plan summer activities. (PP)

To revive students' sagging motivation in French class at the end of the term, a four-week project was designed in which the class wrote and produced slide-tape shows and super eight films in French. (SJL)