Among high-achieving high school students surveyed, 93 percent of Whites and 82 percent of Blacks aspired to graduate and professional degrees. Physician was second career choice for 30 percent of White and 17 percent of Black students. The groups differed in some motivation factors for considering any career choice and career values perceptions.…

Surveys educational psychologists' research on student/teacher values and expectations, and adapts a theoretical model to describe interactions in a developmental classroom. Studies two basic writing classrooms to test the model and to discover where a teacher might intervene most effectively to motivate students. (RS)

Special and regular education elementary school teachers (n=100) who use microcomputers were queried on: experience with microcomputers, computer access, instructional uses, and perceptions of microcomputer effectiveness. Teachers had academic, rather than social or motivational, goals for computer use, but felt that computers' positive effects…

A survey of 130 beginning French students at the University of Windsor (Canada) focused on their second language aspirations, expectations, and anticipated needs. Interpersonal relations appear to be the primary motivator, with travel and instrumental motivation secondary. (20 references) (Author/MSE)

Describes exercises a teacher of English used at a West German secondary school to motivate students to interact in English during class, and the students' reactions to those exercises. The exercises focused, generally, on students' personal experiences, relied on a non-teacher-centered approach, and contained an element of self-reflection.…

Examines the attribution of achievement to ability and effort in low- and high-motivation groups. Randomly selected subjects are assigned to one of four feedback conditions that combine levels of consensus with success and failure. Suggests that attributional differences between motivational groups can be systematically enhanced or attenuated by…

Describes the use of the polygenic trait of total fingerprint ridge count in the classroom as a laboratory investigation. Presents information on background of topic, fingerprint patterns which are classified into three major groups, ridge count, the inheritance model, and activities. Includes an example data sheet format for fingerprints. (RT)

Describes an interdisciplinary approach to science learning in settings usually associated with the humanities or social sciences. Explains the program, its rewards and results, the self and identity seminar, why the program works, and ways of adapting the program. (RT)

Explains a lesson in which the scientific method is used as a teaching strategy. Discusses when this approach can be used, the interdisciplinary method, and sample science concepts that can be appropriately taught this way. (RT)

Explains the development of a science program which was initiated to help students, parents, and other teachers appreciate science. Provides a list of materials needed, procedures, questions, and objectives for performing two of the 30 activities used in the project. (RT)

The literacy training program of Imperial Educational Corporation is a small-group, individualized approach to basic skills instruction for employees lacking basic skills. Pilot studies how significant growth in academic and study skills and positive motivational changes in relation to learning and work. (SK)

Examines teacher perceptions of teaching conditions and school environment in four geographically diverse, rural high schools identified as "effective schools." Suggests that these schools recognize teachers' achievements, give teachers a sense of empowerment, and foster community involvement. Contains 18 references. (SV)

Reviews trends in high school graduation and college enrollment rates, and academic preparation and performance. Offers the following strategies for improving academic preparation and performance: (1) adequate skills preparation; (2) academic student support services; and (3) positive motivation. (BJV)

The audiolingual method and the counseling-learning approach (CL) to foreign language learning were compared in a study involving 29 students in a beginning Japanese course. The study was undertaken to learn whether an adaptation of CL would bring about significant changes in students' communicative and linguistic competence. (32 references) (CB)

Views about the purposes of school, motivational orientations, and beliefs about the causes of academic success were examined in a sample of 119 seventh- and eighth-grade students of very high academic ability and attainment. Results indicate that competitive and acquisitive attitudes may be incompatible with interest in learning. (TJH)