Video's use of longer input sentences with only loosely defined learning aims can create positive conditions for second language acquisition by providing contextualized language input in a low-anxiety environment and by positively harnessing the medium's entertainment associations. (Author/CB)

A third-grade teacher looks at criticism of the elementary curriculum and teacher education from the perspective of an educator working to motivate and inspire individual children in the classroom. (MSE)

A study examined the perceptions of British language students and faculty about student placement in teaching internships abroad. The model used addresses the similarity, congruency, and accuracy of the perceptions of two people concerning a particular issue, and it is recommended for further research on related topics. (MSE)

A study was undertaken at Loma Linda University to identify the psychological needs that motivate undergraduate students to seek nonrequired information, the sources they use, and any relationship between the needs and sources. A significant relationship was found between the motivating needs and the categories of sources used. (CDD)

Reviews research literature on socioeconomic and cultural factors associated with immigrants who naturalize. These explanatory factors are commonly found: (1) length of residence in the United States; (2) potential for acculturation, which varies among different national origin groups; (3) motivation for immigration; and (4) formal education and…

Discusses the values of publishing student writing (among them increased audience awareness), describes one writing project's procedures for formulating topics by daily expressive writing on a literary topic, outlines procedures for evaluating, responding positively to, and publishing this daily writing, and enumerates benefits for teacher and…

This systematic review of the literature identifies and classifies motives underlying application of computers in postsecondary education for computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Emphasis is on articles describing operational, realistic applications of computers as teaching tools; motives versus modes of CAI; and motives versus results of CAI…

Theme articles focus on FFA (Future Farmers of America) conventions and contests. They examine FFA as an extracurricular versus intracurricular activity, keeping competition in perspective, contests as student motivators, how a sponsor views FFA, improving the teaching of leadership, benefits of FFA participation, the needs of disadvantaged and…

Administrators and teachers must gain more knowledge of new research on the gifted and use this information to create new educational programs that make optimal use of gifted students' learning styles and appropriate teaching methods. (CB)

Offers perspectives and specific ways of developing and nurturing critical and creative problem-solving skills with engineering students. Provides examples of exercises and approaches that aim in stimulating creativity and in providing understanding of course material. (ML)

Discusses the concept of pacing as it relates to distance education. Highlights include the relationship of pacing to academic standards, activity scheduling, student independence, student interaction, effective utilization of media, course materials, learning methods, student motivation, drop-out rate, and the cost effectiveness of pacing. (LRW)

Surveyed beginning graduate students in counseling psychology programs approved by American Psychological Association to determine salient demographic characteristics, motivational factors influencing their decisions to enter training, perceptions of roles and functions of professionals in field, and goals and expectations regarding future…

Links are drawn between text theories, both linguistic and semiotic, and the teaching of writing. Presents class activities designed to motivate students and teach good writing based on these theories. (MSE)

Activities which pique student interest and desire to learn at Seely Place Elementary School are described. Community participation, teacher developed materials, an English as a Second Language program, and after school activities are central to the school's educational programs and success. (JL)

Discusses Eliot Wigginton, high school English teacher and founder of Foxfire magazine. Presents excerpts from an interview with Wigginton, in which he discusses his educational philosophy, including cultural journalism. (ARH)