A study at the University of Oregon examined distance education, looking at the demographics of the distance-education market, the types of courses best suited to it, and student performance as it related to demographic group. The study found that although certain students do well, it questioned whether there were sufficient numbers of students to…

Using music in the classroom enhances learning. Music and dance provide an opportunity for positive social interaction. Singing fosters understanding of the sound and rhythm of language. Exposing children to the patterns of different kinds of music helps them to recognize patterns in mathematics. Background music in the classroom reduces stress…

Suggests a new conceptualization of homework as a task that infiltrates family and peer dynamics and the nature of teaching in community organizations and in school. Argues that homework has important benefits for peer communication, thereby increasing a sense of community. Asserts that students can develop an aptitude for future homework from the…

A random survey (with 25 followup interviews) asked 150 California high-school teachers to describe differences in their classrooms since students began using the Internet. Students are excited about using computers and actively engaged in finding and discussing information and writing reports. Teachers serve as motivators and learning guides.…

Describes an extraordinary experience teaching comprehension strategies to fourth-grade reluctant readers through literature study. Notes how the experience was a fusion of three critical elements: an extraordinary group experience, a text that taught itself, and an instructional model that met the students' needs. (SR)

An interview with Wilbert McKeachie, a leading figure in college teaching and learning, focuses on advice for beginning faculty, including the importance of effective testing, mid-term student evaluations of teaching performance, discussion and questioning techniques, cooperative learning, and peer review strategies to improve college students'…

As librarians provide access to informational resources, recreational excursions, cultural explorations, and educational support, they build assets which are critical for young people's successful growth. Identifies eight main categories of developmental assets--support; empowerment; boundaries and expectations; constructive use of time;…

This article describes Technology Option for At-Risk Readers (TOARR), a program that uses technology to help students with reading difficulties. The program uses specialized reading software plus a host of motivating reading activities to encourage reading. Steps in developing the TOARR needs assessment and implementing the program are discussed.…

Describes the affective factors involved in the academic progress and achievement of newly-arrived bilingual twins in a secondary school in London. Finds that different personality traits and self-perceptions resulted in the development of their divergent personal learning styles, and that task interest, appropriate learning strategies, and…

Study with 569 university students examined effects of gender on positive/negative affect, interaction with students, interaction with professors, motivation, and self-concept of ability, and the effects of gender and these variables on grade point averages and educational expectations. Self-concept and interaction with students had strong effects…

Discusses the various ways that oral history can be used in the classroom and describes several representative projects. Covers oral history projects documenting immigrant experiences, women's issues, and other subjects. Appendices include tips on interview preparation, progress reports, background research, evaluative criteria, and final…

Describes how one geology teacher relies on written and oral assignments both as learning tools and as a means to motivate students and assess their work. Frequent written and oral assignments dramatically improve the levels of engagement and learning. Presents some advantages of written and oral assignments and includes examples. (PVD)

Effects of school, family, and community support on academic attitudes and achievement were examined in 827 eighth-grade black students in an urban school district in the southeastern U.S. Students' church involvement and perceptions of teacher and parental support positively influence academic self-concepts and school behaviors. (MMU)

Investigates strategies elementary school children use to conceptualize materials in computer-based learning environments. Results show that 80% of the time students had attention focused on the learning material and gained an elevated level of awareness; the implication to instructional design is that courseware stimulates learning motivation if…

Focuses on ways to foster and access creativity in engineering students. Presents three case studies that demonstrate the importance of establishing freedom in the learning process as well as providing motivation be it extrinsic or intrinsic. Describes how to monitor the level of success in fostering creativity in students. (Author/PVD)