Discusses an experiment to measure the extent to which computer exercises reinforce student learning in an experimental interdisciplinary course at Dartmouth College. Findings indicated that computer techniques improved test performance. Journal available from Division of Educational Affairs, American Political Science Association, 1527 New…

Reviews problems associated with the science education of less able and low motivated students. (SL)

The early development of the Academic Motivations Inventory, a self-report measure of the academic motivations of college students, is described. Validation and reliability studies suggest that, at present, the instrument could be used to assess motivation of a group or class of students, but not yet as individuals. (Author/JKS)

A study of students' attitudes at the Kassel People's University, most of whom were housewives, revealed that the prime motivation was planned vacations and the ability to communicate. Understanding of foreign countries, their culture and politics was not sought by most. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Points out that the realistic concern for and knowledge of rural students in their own particular contexts help to motivate students in a composition classroom. (MB)

Reviews research that demonstrates parallels between general linguistic and cognitive processes in human language acquisition and avian acquisition of song and discusses how such research may provide new insights into the processes of second-language acquisition. (Author/CB)

Recent research in cognition and motivation offers practical applications to help underachieving students perform more effectively in college. Teachers can help students learn to process information better, encourage them to be active learners and be better organized, assist them in coping with anxiety, and change course structure to change…

One hundred and seventy-nine first to fourth graders who had experienced one or more of six health problems were judged by classroom teachers to have more serious school adjustment problems and fewer school competencies than a demographically matched peer group of 710 youngsters who had not experienced such problems. (Author)

Introduces the range of computer software currently available to aid in developing children's basic skills in reading, including programs for reading readiness, word recognition, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and learning motivation. Additional information on software and computer use is provided in sidebars by Gwen Solomon and…

A study of age and time differences in motivation for learning French and in attitudes toward French instruction found attitude variation decreasing with time, and found rural and suburban students' attitudes linked most to the learning situation while urban students' motivation was rooted in desire to communicate in French. (MSE)

Observation indicates that affect is experienced prior to organized thought. After five months emotional responses are increasingly differentiated and independent of physical state. All childhood learning is propelled by affect. Adults who work with children must recognize their emotions to facilitate their acquisition of skills and knowledge.…

Describes a study of the effects on second language attrition of attitudes, motivations, and reported language use by learners during a six-month period after the completion of an intensive French course. (SED)

The results of this issue's series of articles are summarized, and implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed. Initial academic achievement was the strongest predictor of student achievement. The impact of attentiveness, motivation, student background, sex, and time on task were also described. (GDC)

Adapting teaching materials and strategies to the learning preferences of each child can make a difference in how well and how much students learn. Steps in introducing strategies based on learning styles into an elementary school are described, and recommendations are provided for initiating a learning styles program. (TE)

This study examined the factors that best predict which elementary school children will transfer out of a French immersion program. Learner characteristics, teacher and parent evaluations, and family background were examined. Analyses suggest that attitudinal and motivational factors are of primary importance to the continuation of second-language…