Predicts, using independent variables such as student effort and campus environment, how community college students perceive their gains in general education and personal and social development. Finds that quality and quantity of student effort, as well as a positive perception of the campus environment, were significant predictors regardless of…

Examines the relationship between full-time or part-time instructor status and college student retention and academic performance in sequential courses. Finds that, for either developmental or regular courses, students who take the first course in a sequence from a part-time instructors and the second course from a full-time instructor seem…

Reports on a survey designed to identify how Talking Book software is being used to support reading development in U.K. classrooms and the potential benefits of adapting such software to meet individual learners' needs. Preliminary results highlight the success of this software for both early readers and older children experiencing difficulties in…

Finds a significant relationship between empowering behaviors of principals and teacher motivation (the higher the principal's score, the higher teachers' overall motivation score); but finds no relationship between principal empowering behaviors and either teacher job satisfaction or job stress, although teacher motivation was related to both job…

Reports on a trend at community colleges to recruit underachieving high school students in their "bridge" or "dual enrollment" programs. Also reports that 25 community colleges in 10 states have high schools on their campuses for high-risk teenagers. Notes problems of financing such programs despite their success in exposing students to college…

Describes a study of junior high school students in Seoul, Korea that examined the effects of student motivation on performance in Web-based instruction. Tested the applicability of the self-efficacy theory in Web-based contexts through motivational surveys, path analyses, written tests, and search tests. Internet self-efficacy scale and sample…

School-community partnership programs can help teachers reach children in the crucial years from birth to 4, thereby preventing reading difficulties and raising future test scores. Many organizations help families in starting their children on the road to lifetime reading by distributing free books and pamphlets on reading aloud to children. (SM)

Describes results of an integrated curriculum project in New Zealand that generated paradoxical results regarding student motivation and attitudes toward computer use during junior high school, where attitudes became less positive. Examines implications for the design and implementation of curriculum projects involving student use of computer…

Discusses ways to make middle school classrooms student-friendly by motivating students to take control of their education, understand themselves, and assess their own progress. Notes the teacher's role in this student-centered classroom. (JPB)

Reports on a study of the attitudes of South Australian primary school students toward science. Finds that overall interest in studying science has decreased since a similar study was performed in 1980. (Contains 22 references.) (Author/WRM)

Suggests that music teachers invite their colleagues to participate in musical performances as a way for them to enjoy making music, act as role models for students, and to help demonstrate the importance of music in the curriculum. Provides guidelines for how to get other teachers involved in musical performances. (CMK)

Investigated the drive for muscularity among high school adolescents using the Drive for Muscularity Scale. Results indicated that the scale was reliable. High-drive students were mainly boys trying to gain weight and muscle mass. Drive related to poor self-esteem and higher depression levels among boys, but not girls. Drive for muscularity was…

Contends that the current syllabus for geography education in New Zealand is outdated and lacks relevance for students. Offers a case for syllabus revision and the reexamination of the geography discipline. Provides suggestions for the case of reform in relation to new syllabus content. (CMK)

Summarizes a three-year action research project in a Norwegian upper secondary school, which used drama techniques and role playing to support learning for at risk students. Discusses finding a place for their program in the school context and getting this population of students to learn to trust one another, take risks, and ultimately take…

Describes a teacher research project, designed to motivate 8th-grade Spanish students, that involved creating a unit based on a Zapotec story. Only Spanish was spoken in the classroom. The researcher investigated students' reactions to having Spanish-only lessons focusing on the story. Interviews indicated that students found the class more…