Examines gender differences in fifth- and sixth-grade students' self-reports of confidence, motivation goals, and learning strategies in whole-class and small-group sessions. Overall, results reveal few gender differences and indicate that students report greater confidence and mastery motivation in small-group lessons. Contains 55 references.…

The Family Environment Scale was completed by 75 male and 83 female adult literacy participants. Those who considered their learning experience very successful were more likely to be from families that were united and cohesive, appreciated and valued intellectual and cultural activities, had concrete moral values, and exhibited less conflict and…

Interviews with 7 retired adults over 55 were thematically analyzed and coded, revealing their learning motivations to be either instrumental (meeting survival and personal effectiveness needs) or expressive (meaningful and purposeful). Needs and goals were related to adult developmental themes; learning was essential to increasing individual…

Thirty-seven university support staff made hypothetical decisions about enrolling in microcomputer training based on six variables. Younger employees were more likely to take such training and indicated higher valence than did older workers. Cost was significant for 84% of the subjects. (SK)

Responses from 249 people in a master of business administration program via distance learning in Hong Kong indicated they were motivated by future career development or achievement. Program choice was influenced by institutional reputation, curriculum, tuition, and delivery modes. Influences differed depending on the motivation. (SK)

Two approaches to training for small/medium-sized enterprises were compared: a British distance learning program and an Irish program offering face-to-face training for micro-enterprises. Both used constructivist, collaborative, and reflective methods. Advantages and disadvantages of each approach were identified. (SK)

Reflects on 25 years of adult basic education in Britain, finding progress in understanding the nature of adult learning needs, the conceptualization of literacy, teacher preparation, and educational opportunities. Identifies challenges in motivating adults to participate and improving the effectiveness of basic skills provision. (SK)

Using Walt Whitman's poetry, a chief executive officer's speech, and a first-grade teacher's experience, a high school teacher describes the transformation of her understanding of achievement and intelligence. She concludes that having high expectations does not mean the same goals for every student and that students learn best what they learn out…

Describes how time spent immersed in Talmudic studies at yeshivahs in the United States and Israel had a profound effect on this professor's understanding of the delicate art of teaching, in particular promoting the love of learning for its own sake and fostering respect among students. (EV)

Provides an overview of the current themes and research directions in second language motivation research. Argues that the initial research inspiration and standard-setting empirical work on second language motivation originating from Canada has borne fruit by educating a new generation of international scholars who have created a colorful mixture…

Investigates the students who participate in science competitions (state science fair or the state Science Olympiad in Utah) and what they perceive as the rewards for participating. Finds students participate for different reasons and see them as very distinct. Suggests that promoting other science events and activities may be beneficial in…

Attempts to stimulate theoretical thinking and empirical research in the domain of second language vocabulary learning by introducing a construct of involvement with motivational and cognitive dimensions: Need, Search, and Evaluation. Reviews a number of constructs that are currently debated and investigated in the literature on cognitive and…

Survey responses from 298 adults over 50 indicated that they were interested in instrumental learning focused on maintaining personal resources and capacity in order to engage with local, national, and global concerns. A more accurate picture of motivation arises from asking what adults want to do that is personally meaningful, instead of what do…

Assessment should be focused on the cognitive, metacognitive, motivational, and affective aspects of lifelong learning. Both qualitative and quantitative methods such as learning and study strategies inventories, affective instruments, and learning logs should be used. (Contains 63 references.) (SK)

Learners' formal and informal beliefs may influence the way they approach learning. Do they learn to apply or learn to understand? The effort they make to learn depends on their perception of how the learning will reward them. Cross-cultural beliefs about knowledge and conceptions of learning must also be taken into account in developing…