In 2 studies involving 125 undergraduates and 31 community college students, respectively, the construct of involvement in discourse was explored, focusing on typical academic reading and writing. Results suggest that discourse involvement is a state of engagement in a task, influenced by cognitive and motivational/affective factors. (SLD)

Discusses contemporary theory and research related to volition in education, and proposes agenda items for continued research into the construct of volition. The relationships among volition, self-regulation, and motivation are explored. A provisional model of volition in education is presented, and some assessment strategies are discussed. (SLD)

Describes three approaches to helping students at risk: (1) a 30-week program to provide adults with basic proficiency in written and spoken English, problem-solving techniques, computer software, and teamwork skills; (2) motivating students by caring about them and creating a positive classroom environment; and (3) communicating effectively with…

An English teacher's impromptu unit on social problems gave students opportunity to develop writing skills while expanding concept of community. While gathering data on diminishing rain forests (chosen topic), discussing research in small groups or workshops, interviewing community members, sending letters to political representatives, plugging…

Studied the effect of grading classroom communicative activities on student performance at two different levels. Results indicated no significant difference in scores between the experimental and control groups at either level. (10 references) (VWL)

Discusses issues surrounding the enrollment of students from developing countries in educational programs in the United Kingdom. Student motivation and teacher expectations are examined; and the curriculum, course information packs, foreign students' expectations and perspectives, and tips for studying in the developing world are covered. (two…

Interviews with 27 elementary and secondary teachers who attended a summer postgraduate program found that transfer of learning occurred when courses allowed collegial interaction and discussion, assignments were job relevant, and application of new knowledge was encouraged in the school or district. (SK)

Assessed current status of minority education by surveying college students (n=423). Gathered information about the barriers and contributors to persistence and academic success. Determined finances and and availability of financial aid were first-order concerns of minority students. Found differences in motivation for college attendance between…

Describes how fourth graders, together with first graders, planned, wrote, and edited a book of recollections, opinions, personalized stories, and poems. The article discusses the interviews between the fourth and first grade students, the final editing and production of the book, and the publication party. (SM)

A model of student progress and drop-out from postsecondary distance education courses includes components of background characteristics; motivation; academic environment; and the family, work, and social environment. The author recommends ways in which distance education courses might be formatted so as to reduce student drop-out. (Author/MLW)

Proposes six position statements, supported by sociological and anthropological literature, in opposition to The Straight Line Melting Pot Theory. Seeks to assist art educators to recognize and respect not only the sociocultural diversity that may be present in the classroom, but also to design and implement culturally responsive art curricula.…

Reviews recent research on cooperative computer-based instruction (CBI) and discusses findings related to achievement levels and ability, patterns of study, social interchange, motivation and attitudes, and gender differences. Guidelines for the implementation of cooperative CBI are presented, and implications for software designers are suggested.…

Describes a study that was conducted in Provo, Utah, to identify motivators as factors in adult use of libraries. Four major areas were used to examine motivation: home and family life, vocational growth, religion, and politics. Six user characteristics were also studied, and implications for public libraries are suggested. (nine references) (LRW)

Five articles address issues concerned with personnel management in libraries. Topics discussed include ethical issues; hiring practices, equal employment opportunity and affirmative action in members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL); technological changes in libraries that affect motivation and work attitudes; career planning in…

A University of Kentucky study of medical school faculty investigated the characteristics and attitudes of teachers who taught or declined to teach a physical diagnosis course. Faculty wanting to teach the course were more often generalists, tenure-track, had spent less time at other institutions, and valued workshops on instructional methodology.…