The ability of students, teachers, and parents to identify effective reinforcers was studied with 54 students (8 to 16 years old) with mild learning and behavioral disabilities. Results indicate that the consequence rankings reported by the child were the only scores that significantly correlated with the anticipated consequence ranking…

Criteria for evaluating and selecting computer software programs are given, based on the author's research at Teachers College, Columbia University (New York). Specific attributes of programs which either motivate students or directly encourage learning are examined. Shortcomings of existing software are also noted. (PP)

A faculty survey at the University of Texas at Dallas showed faculty had no objections to most students' being over 30, did not favor age segregation, found older students better motivated, and felt no need for changes in academic standards. Special training for dealing with adult students is not recommended. (MSE)

Meaningful cooperation between area studies and foreign language faculty can be accomplished by seriously committed, academically trained professionals on both sides. Limitless possibilities exist for curriculum development to combine the substance of area studies with language learning, building on the essential interdependence of the…

The effectiveness of a traditional programed approach for producing skills needed for systematic classroom observation was compared with that of a group process training approach. The group process approach involved trainees in generation, role-playing, and live coding of a transcript. These trainees showed a more positive attitude toward their…

Literature and research on inservice teacher education strongly suggest that traditional inservice, which rewards teachers who obtain advanced degrees and credits with salary increases, has no logical or empirical justification. School districts should assume responsibility for inservice training and should develop and fund these programs…

An investigation of study habits of 540 Australian college sophomores casts doubt on the validity of one model and suggests some adjustments in it. The relationship of study habits to subject area, age, and sex, and the model's usefulness in predicting academic achievement are examined. (MSE)

To test the relationship between student and teacher identification and instructional effectiveness, 96 undergraduates were administered personality trait Q-samples which described their instructor, their "actual" self, and their "ideal" self. Instructional effectiveness was measured by the Kansas State IDEA form. Results show…

Describes a program in Colombia to enhance learning of lower class children by emphasizing acceptance, risk taking, and problem solving in a supportive environment. Parental involvement is stressed. The back-to-the-basics movement is discussed as an educational strategy antithetical to the author's philosophy. (DB)

Examines the implications for educators of the "Motivation-Hygiene Theory" proposed by Frederick Herzberg. Suggests increasing staff opportunities for goal setting, decision making, and expanded professional competence as strategies for developing staff motivation. (Author/MLF)

Discusses psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic questions relevant to the development of language programs for foreigners, such as student motivation, language aptitude, learning styles, cultural differences, language styles, and communicative competence. Focuses particularly on the cultural problems faced by a foreigner, as a student, client, and…

This review focuses on the relationship between instructional processes and student behavior as presented in "Time to Learn," a description of processes, findings, and implications from the Beginning Teacher Evaluation Study. Attention is given to chapters concerning data collection, relational and descriptive processes, and limitations…

A teacher's use of appealing physical education activities to develop other educational skills and to encourage behavior change in learning impaired children is described. The teacher makes up a behavior plan with each child in the homeroom; positive behavior earns breaks, free play, and the right to use gym equipment and to participate in…

A point system was introduced at an elementary school in British Columbia whereby: (1) students lost points for their entire class when they misbehaved; and (2) point totals were openly posted daily and weekly. The method proved effective in improving the behavior of the whole school population. (Authors/PP)

Data from 45 school districts in western South Dakota indicate that the principal administrative problem of rural superintendents is maintaining a quality staff of teachers who can work with the unique strengths and weaknesses found in a rural setting. (CM)