A survey of 196 camp counselors concerning camp staff motivation to work seasonally and return in future years showed that salary and working conditions were not as important as philosophical orientation of the camp, social and growth opportunities, and having fun. Practical implications for camp administrators are discussed. (TD)

This paper describes how one secondary physical education teacher graded her students according to individual levels of accomplishment and minimum performance standards. The plan motivated her students to participate in and enjoy physical activities and to respect physicality, the learning process, and each other. (SM)

Describes how a project in Great Britain designed to promote learner independence in English-as-a-foreign-language students clarified issues regarding the need to provide guidance in any student training program. Notes how e-mail and computer conferencing were used to encourage learners to work together, independent of the tutor, to learn English.…

Describes preliminary findings of an action research project undertaken by teachers in Setubal, Portugal, who are exploring ways to introduce English as a first foreign language into the Portuguese primary school curriculum. (three references) (CK)

In this study, over 100 teachers completed open-ended surveys on how they prepare students for the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills and the test's effects on students, teachers, and schools. High-stakes testing has become the object rather than the measure of teaching and learning, negatively affecting curriculum, teacher decision making,…

Describes a study that compares the achievement of biology students (N=48) under the conditions of self-regulation and a traditional approach. Concludes that higher measures of reported self-regulation were significantly associated with higher academic performance scores. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

A survey was sent to 106 African American doctoral recipients in sport and exercise science disciplines. Of these, 74, or 69.8% responded. Data analysis indicated that most respondents were extrinsically motivated to enroll. Persistence was influenced by institutional factors like financial aid and academic support services. (SM)

Examines how what is known about academic help seeking can inform an understanding of children's response to peer harassment. Details: (1) What is adaptive help seeking?; (2) Which students are most likely to seek help?; and (3) Under what conditions are students likely to seek help? Presents directions for future research. (Author)

Discussion of national standards addressing technology in teacher preparation programs focuses on a team teaching approach that required methods course students to produce electronic portfolios. Highlights include student perceptions of the value of electronic portfolios; benefits of technology use; technology as motivation for students; plans for…

Discusses the learning paradigm and its implications for the community college mission. Argues that the learning paradigm is not a fad but part of a natural progression of learning strategies and programs that have been developed over the past few decades. (Contains 11 references.) (NB)

Describes an action research study that investigated the changing roles of instructors and learners in a graduate course on technology integration for inservice teachers. Discusses results that showed that the course motivated students, fostered active and constructive learning, enhanced critical thinking skills, and increased student confidence…

Camp directors can motivate staff by showing they are valued. Acknowledging positive actions, throwing a staff party, providing relief time, and being a good role model are all good motivators. Weekly staff meetings keep staff informed and provide time to air problems and get feedback. Keeping in touch with staff during the off-season is also…

Discussion of free voluntary reading focuses on a study that tracked students' reading progress in reading motivation programs in elementary and secondary schools. Topics include standardized test results for sixth graders; media center collections and circulation statistics; and correlation of total reading minutes and total reading score. (LRW)

Using self-determination theory, the authors tested a motivational model to explain the conditions under which rural students formulate their intentions to persist in, versus drop out of, high school. Analyses showed that the provision of autonomy support within classrooms predicted students' self-determined motivation and perceived competence.…

Interviews Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach, the 2002 Teacher of the Year at Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Explains how Sheryl has pushed technology to its limits in an effort to help her students push their own limits. Contends that technology provides the perfect medium for offering children the chance to build their own experiences, construct their…