Investigates effects of school-choice laws on U.S. teachers' work incentives, using 1993-94 Schools and Staffing Survey data. Examines whether school system competitiveness works to solve the principal-agent problem in education. Results are mixed, but suggest that one type of choice policy--intradistrict choice--enhances teacher motivation.…

Examines factors that motivate community college and virtual high school students to choose online or traditional course formats. Findings indicate that, for students who chose distance learning, control over pace and timing of learning was more important; for students who chose face-to-face courses, interaction with instructor and students was…

In-depth interviews with Mexican-American and Euro-American bilingual teaching candidates examined differences in reference group orientation, affiliative identity, and rationale for becoming a bilingual teacher. Mexican Americans had a strong Mexican affiliative identity and seemed personally compelled to maintain the language and culture.…

Reviews recent research on student learning and motivation and applies conclusions to college instruction. Examines findings and instructional implications of the behaviorist model, the cognitive model, metacognition, learner-centered models, the unique learner, and motivation from a learning perspective. Concludes that the biggest variable in…

Describes characteristics of effective and enjoyable learning activities, that can be grouped into these categories: (1) Assignments that Matter; (2) Activities that Involve the Researcher; (3) Assessments that Help By Promoting Growth and Showing Care; and (4) (Teacher) Attitude is Everything. A sidebar presents a four-level research question…

Critiques "Handbook" chapters on achieving educational accountability and managing resources for school improvement. Accountability and finance research have shifted focus from resource allocation to organizational results. Principal-agent, expectancy, and risk theories provide lenses for viewing accountability. Research on how these…

Considers the importance of shaping the kinds of personal qualities that will serve as the motivating force in all a student's learning activities and also will determine the future fate of the student's overall knowledge. Explores the link between the purposeful shaping of abilities and the shaping of the student's personal qualities. (CMK)

This action research investigated the problem of college students' participation in German class, examining how to engage students in focusing on form when grammar and accuracy held no interest for them. The action research showed how collaborative work could inform a teacher's perception of classroom events, leading to definable changes and…

Describes the eight-week "Reading is Fun" summer program, one of several ways the Metropolitan Library System serves Oklahoma County's at-risk youth. A lesson plan was developed that called for borrowing library books that related to a weekly theme, reading aloud to children, and hands-on activities. Other projects for at-risk youth are…

Argues that despite the decline in enrollments in German at elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities, there is reason to hope that interest can be invigorated. Suggests that there are easy instructional methods and materials for developing a new motivation in learning the language. (Author/VWL)

Teacher reactions to student academic performance may have utilitarian goals, whereas others are punitive. This study investigated these reactions, as well as situations that determine which strategies are used. Controllable causes of failure give rise to punitive and retributive strategies, whereas lack of controllability elicits utilitarian…

Evaluated the WLPAN method of intensive language teaching by studying 7 students at Cardiff University's Centre for Teaching Welsh to Adults. Using questionnaires and interviews, factors affecting students' ultimate ability to speak Welsh were examined. Factors included students' motivation, background in Welsh or other foreign languages, and…

Describes a survey on student motivation and presents developmental education students' responses describing their strategies for academic success. Addresses the importance of combining effort with effective study strategies, planning, finding a quiet space, being persistent, and preparing for class. (NB)

A study examining student perceptions of cooperative learning surveyed 210 college students. Results were contradictory, with positive evaluations of some specific techniques and less than positive evaluations of cooperative learning in general. Less than half perceived it to affect motivation positively. Colleges should promote a shift in student…

Studied the influence of home environment on male and female high school students' motivation and achievement. Results for 737 Cypriot high school students and their parents show the importance of student self-concept and negative effects for parental pressure. Results suggest the need for closer lines of communication between home and school.…