Although equal numbers of highly gifted boys and girls are found from early childhood until about age 12, 98% of the preeminent adults are male. This may be because, during preadolescence and adolescence, girls receive societal messages that undermine gifted girls' confidence and motivation. A vigorous campaign is needed to establish gender equity…

Reviews recent research on college students' substance abuse, discussing the nature and extent of substance use and examining the effect of demographics and personality, year in college, grade point average, residence, motivation, and attitudes. Suggestions for coping with problems of campus alcohol use are offered. (Author/SM)

Twenty-eight students (grades six through eight) with severe learning disabilities (LD) received group or individual intervention with either induced positive or neutral moods. The positive affect condition in the individual setting increased coding task performance the most for students with LD. Subjects receiving the neutral affect induction,…

Self-monitoring is an important part of self-regulated learning. While researchers agree on the overt features of self-monitoring, its psychological dimensions are disputed. Faculty can help college students learn formal, systematic techniques by teaching it in four phases: baseline, structured, independent, and self-regulated self-monitoring. A…

Reports on a study of preferred reading instruction approaches among 121 British reading teachers. Finds that most do not use a single approach, but a blend of approaches determined by individual differences. Maintains that most perceive their role as encouraging students to enjoy reading. (CFR)

A motivational model of school performance, based on the theoretical framework of Deci and Ryan (1985) and structural equation modeling, was prepared and tested with 263 Montreal (Canada) 9th graders. Perceived academic competence and perceived academic self-determination positively influenced autonomous academic motivation, which had a positive…

Examines whether there are ways in which teaching can cater to the preferences of both sexes without prejudicing the success of either. The findings of two studies suggest the importance of addressing the different responses of boys and girls to particular classroom situations and the different learning strategies they employ. (10 references) (CK)

Examines the drop-out factor in adult language classes. It is argued that when focusing on the learner as an individual, it is important to consider the social reality of the learning situation. The first task is to identify the motivational factors confronting teachers in the language classroom and to find ways to support the student's motivation…

This article reports the results of a pilot study of the characteristics and motivation for studying of a group of 20 part-time students who enrolled in a new "Diploma in German Studies and Business and Commercial German." Students were given a questionnaire relating to background, motivation, and attitudes regarding difficulties in the…

Presents an interview with Ernest L. Boyer. Describes approaches to improving civic education. Identifies student passivity as the primary obstacle. Urges greater scrutiny of the information that teachers present to students. Proposes placing that information in historical, social, and ethical perspectives and integrating and applying it. (DK)

Discusses Columbus's motivation for his explorations. Argues that his ideas of geography and navigation were not novel but based on ancient and medieval sources. Claims that Columbus was motivated by a belief that his destiny was to carry Christianity to pagans, thereby ushering in the end of the world and final judgment. (DK)

Describes a study of motivational factors influencing 19 first-year students who made the dean's list their first quarter in college, despite a poor academic performance in high school. Applies Weiner's attributional theory of motivation. Most students attributed their prior academic performance to a lack of motivation/effort. (DMM)

Study investigated relationships between secondary students' school achievement, leisure activities, and motivation. Leisure activity variables predicted school achievement but were weak compared to motivation variables, which were weak compared to goals for college. Number of leisure activities and hours spent in leisure activities correlated…

Describes experiential learning instructional model and simulation for student principals. Describes interactive laser videodisc simulation. Reports preliminary findings about student principal learning from simulation. Examines learning approaches by unsuccessful and successful students and learning levels of model learners. Simulation's success…

Explains how teachers can introduce cooperative learning, suggesting they (1) discuss cooperative behavior with students; (2) initiate small, basic, cooperative groups and activities; (3) facilitate cooperation; (4) add variety and expand the activities. Essential elements include positive interdependence, individual accountability, personal…