Argues that second-language learners should be encouraged to establish experiential reading as their norm and sufficient comprehension as their goal, thus achieving a multidimensional representation of literature that can facilitate language acquisition and reading comprehension. Demonstrates four approaches that can help ensure that reading…

Describes a study of second- and third-grade Hispanic students in an inner-city school, in which increasing children's access to books (through monthly visits to a public library) significantly increased children's interest in books and their reading at home. Concludes that simply providing interesting books for children is a powerful incentive…

Argues that one advantage of using film as a medium in the classroom is that it draws on an activity students find interesting. Focuses on the use of certain episodes of the series "Star Trek: The Next Generation." (DDR)

Traces the history of student academic library employees and reviews the related literature on the changing role of library student assistants. Highlights include changes in libraries' organizational structures; and administrative issues concerning recruitment, interviewing, training, motivation, and employee retention. (LRW)

Researchers have found three consistent effects of stressing letter or number grades. Grades reduce students' interest in learning, preference for challenging tasks, and thinking quality. Grades distort curriculum, waste time, encourage cheating, and spoil interpersonal relationships. Invisible grading is a compromise. Authentic assessment opens…

Examines the relative role of selected risk and protective factors on students' achievement and affective investment in schooling with middle and high school students (N=582) involved in Communities in Schools. Teacher support was found to have a greater impact than home status and home academic culture risk on educational investment and the only…

Reports results of a study of adult students over the age of 24 at one community college in New York State. Explores (1) the reasons the mature person takes a life-step once confined to the young; (2) the difficulties and satisfactions they experience; and (3) what colleges can do to respond to their needs. (SR)

Reviews early pedagogical influences and recent ideas on Web-based instruction and applies them to Web-based library instruction, including selected exemplary sites. Discusses educational theories, learner motivation, organization of library modules, and interactivity for learning and assessment. Suggests that interactivity is necessary for active…

Describes the Hot Chocolate House Web site that was created for elementary school students to engage in a variety of activities centered on reading and creative writing. Students can submit their own writing or book reviews, read other writing or book reviews, share authors' letters, and find recipes for snacks. (LRW)

Asserts that art education is an essential ingredient of a strong curriculum. Discusses the advantages of art education and the importance of art and aesthetics to the business community as an incentive for changing attitudes of art-education antagonists. Gives three stories capturing the vision of effective art teaching for the 21st century. (CMK)

Finds significant differences in the preferences for literacy tasks of African-American and Mexican-American male adolescent high school students and what their teachers perceived to be students' preferences. Finds considerable resistance from teachers to accepting results regarding students' preferences. Concludes that teacher misconceptions are…

In preparation for the medical school admission interview, prospective students should be able to explain why they chose medicine as a profession and to relate experiences that confirm their interest, be aware of the economic/ethical atmosphere in which medicine is practiced and its challenges, display good communication skills, and convey…

Reviews variations in levels of English-language proficiency among immigrants from non-English-speaking countries to Australia. Data on 27 of the largest birthplace groups are used from the 1996 census. Discusses immigrants' motivation to learn English and be included in Australian society and Australian policies regarding immigration-selection…

Describes a community-initiated study of student motivational influences in Fountain Hills Unified School District (Arizona), which receives Yavapai students from nearby Fort McDowell Indian Community. Discusses collaboration between the school district and Indian community, quantitative results on student motivation and long-term effects of high…

Explores whether reflective analysis promotes integration of theoretical knowledge presented in a course on motivation, with the practice of classroom management during a practice teaching round. Analyzes narrative accounts of practice where subjects recorded observations and reflections of experiences. Results indicate the presence of principal…