Presents a framework for helping low-achieving pupils through reinforcement in technology at high school. Findings indicated an improvement in pupils' self-efficacy and increased motivation to study at the present and in the future. In the pupils' eyes, the main features were construction activities, team projects and free study, and the major…

Argues that computer technology can help to engage struggling readers in meaningful transactions with text. Lists and describes seven web sites that will captivate reluctant readers. Notes three web sites that send students on "WebQuests" to transact with text in order to build knowledge. Discusses other ways to engage students in text via…

Examines reasons for the resistance and resentment of many student athletes to working with writing tutors. Discusses successful intervention strategies for dealing with counter-productive behavior. Argues that the resultant learning not only enriches the athletes, but the entire academic community, since their stories are a tremendous asset for…

Describes the development and content of the online course "HIS 320: Capitalism, Culture, and Technology in Modern World History" offered by National University. Addresses issues such as students' motivation for taking the course, characteristics of the enrolled students, and problems with the course. (CMK)

Students study foreign languages to increase their awareness of other cultures, learn a language for practical use, prepare for graduate study, and understand their family heritage. The article maintains that American graduate schools are best at educating professors to prepare more students for graduate study and that colleges must tailor their…

Reports a study of 178 elementary school teachers' beliefs about the effectiveness of different strategies for fostering student motivation. Found that teachers were well aware of the usefulness of strategies that researchers claim increase student task involvement and intrinsic motivation. In cases where research is divided, it was judged that…

Suggests that while doubting that the dichotomy introduced by Subbotsky can cover the entire domain of motivation, he should applaud the emphasis on the neglected but critical importance of motivation in developmental psychology, and the attempt to distinguish different types of motivation, even as contributors to a single behavior. (AA)

Teachers can encourage their elementary students to write by demonstrating writing themselves frequently throughout the day. The paper discusses how teachers can become more comfortable with their own writing in order to use it to teach, then offers suggestions on how to write in class and share it with students. (SM)

Research indicates that engagement with text is critical to becoming a good reader and can be fostered in primary grades by using informal assessments of individual student's reading ability to guide instruction. Describes running record, miscue analysis, and cloze-procedure assessment tools and the assessment task of oral retelling. Sidebars list…

Examined the persistence of students (n=937), 24 years of age or older, studying in two- and four-year degree programs by combining data from a survey questionnaire and institutional records. The structural equation model of Cabrera et al. (1993) was adapted for this older population, with identification of three additional variables: career…

Discussion of designing learning activities that incorporate Web sites into the curriculum focuses on appropriate debriefing strategies for multiple-intelligence learners. Considers outcomes of successful debriefing, including increased understanding of content, improved problem-solving strategies, increased recall ability, and increased…

Study with first grade teachers and students explored the impact of book-rich classroom environments and home rereading on reading motivation, comprehension, and fluency. Results showed enhanced comprehension for book-rich classrooms, both with and without a home component; home rereading increased reading motivation and promoted parental…

Compares cognitive-motivational and demographic characteristics of students enrolled in web-based sections of Psychological Statistics with counterparts in conventional sections of the course. No demographic differences were found, however, cyberstudents exhibited a greater external locus of control. Measures of on-line course activity, a high…

Examines the decision-making processes of 79 students who entered the law and business programs at an elite university. Argues that students' accounts for decisions reflect class-related opportunities and constraints. Finds that the majority chose their degrees for similar reasons: professional status, intellectual interest, and an…

Investigated the perceptions of novice student teachers, post-student teaching beginning teachers, and experienced teachers regarding the characteristics of effective and ineffective teachers. Themes emerging from respondents' descriptions were: ability to create an appropriate emotional environment, skill in creating an effective learning…