Presents a model of instructional games and learning that elaborates key features of games that are of interest from an instructional perspective; the game cycle of user judgments, behavior, and feedback; and types of learning outcomes that can be achieved. Discusses implications for the design and implementation of effective instructional games.…

Despite the interest that second-language students show for learning a foreign language, many of them do not possess the motivation to conclude successfully their course of foreign language study. In the search of an explanation for this apparent contradiction, the concepts of "interest" and "motivation" must be re-defined. (AP)

Vocational rehabilitation clients face the common challenges of adult life complicated by their disabilities. Their learning needs should be addressed by competent rehabilitation counselors aware of adult education principles and by adult educators aware that the client's motivation for learning is the goal of getting or keeping a job. (SK)

Significant differences in reasons for enrollment and 4 family support elements emerged in survey responses from 88 of 110 African Americans in adult basic education (47 of whom were persisters). Persisters were more likely to be preparing for jobs. Family attitudes, financial support, and career motivations were major factors in persistence. (SK)

Provides suggestions and examples for self-training on use of the Web. Focuses on three questions about guidance, motivation and Web training: (1) "Is this class right for me?"; (2) "Now that I'm here, what do I do?"; (3) "What motivates me now and keeps me coming back later?" (AEF)

"Free-agent" employees focus on employability based on their expertise, knowledge base, reputation, and networks. Their skills make them value-added contributors and they expect something in return from their employers such as opportunities for growth and the application of learning. (JOW)

Interviews with a lifelong learning manager and adult learners in rural Lincolnshire illuminated differences between continuing education providers' and learners' expectations of lifelong learning. Learners were job focused and interested in improving labor market outcomes. Policies that reflected community and citizenship benefits from learning…

In one section of a graduate course (n=26), the instructor gave enthusiastic verbal praise 27% of the time for homework logs and administered no verbal praise in the other (n=28). The praise group had higher average scores, studied longer per lesson, and had higher motivation. (Contains 51 references.) (SK)

The opportunities paradigm assumes that participation in lifelong learning is positive and voluntary, yet discourse analysis reveals pervasive pressure to be permanent learners. Recent research suggests that learners may switch between discourses of compulsion and self-realization, and they may combine participant and nonparticipant identities.…

Agricultural producers in Nevada who enrolled in a tax management program (n=33) rated their knowledge of 6 business management tools higher than 36 nonparticipants. Although nonparticipants reported lower financial management knowledge, they were not interested in attending Extension classes nor in home study or the Internet. (SK)

An action research study involving British adults interested in further education opportunities found that the vast majority learned about adult education courses by word of mouth rather than print; supports such as child care, subsidies, and accommodations for people with disabilities are crucial; and follow-up courses are desired. (SK)

University students, asked to judge criteria for their own quality, rated a commitment to learning most important of 25 criteria. They considered most criteria of student quality to be more important at graduation than at entry, supporting a talent development approach to assessment rather than a resource approach. (Author)

This article considers the profound impact that Paul R. Pintrich had on the field of achievement motivation, specifically achievement goal theory. The article highlights Pintrich's groundbreaking research and theorizing, beginning with his early work integrating research on motivation and cognition and ending with his development of a multiple…

All members of the higher education community share the important goal of fostering college students' motivation to learn. Which contemporary constructs best explain students' motivation, however, is an issue of debate in this community. This article discusses motivational theory and research and draws implications for general education programs.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of self-regulated learning strategies on learners' perception of motivation within web-based instruction. In this study, self-regulated learning strategies, which were intended to assist students to self-observe and self-evaluate their effectiveness, were incorporated into a one-semester…