Two studies examined models that preschoolers, fifth-graders, and adults use to guide predictions of self-beneficial, goal-directed action. Found that preschoolers' predictions were consistent with an animal-based model, fifth-graders' with biology-based and complexity-based models, and adults' predictions with a biology-based model. All age…

Studied three measures of task and ego achievement goal orientations in terms of factorial and construct validity, internal consistency reliability, and distributional characteristics. Results for 393 undergraduates suggest that the Patterns of Adaptive Learning Survey scales fared better than the other 2 in terms of distributional…

Examines the effect of an alternative summer-learning program for at-risk students in low-income areas on student motivation and self-esteem. Reports that the program may have a positive impact on some aspects of student motivation and self-esteem. Student, staff, and parental written anecdotal comments about the program were generally positive.…

Investigated what new student orientation coordinators perceive to be the most effective strategies for incorporating technology into orientation programs. Found that coordinators agreed most strongly with the notion of emphasizing the importance of technology to new students, coupled with providing email accounts to new students immediately upon…

An inexpensive tool for understanding the problems faced by new teachers is the teaching journal--a written reflection of their everyday classroom struggles, professional doubts, and administrative hassles. At George Mason University, all student teachers are required to keep professional journals and share them with key administrators. (MLH)

Three habituation experiments examined the necessary conditions under which infants invoked the principle of rational action, interpreting behavior as goal-directed action. Found that the rational action principle operated at 9 months but not at 6 months. Perceptual cues indicating agency were not necessary prerequisites for a goal-directed…

Examined the differential contributions of two forms of competitive attitude to disordered eating in 198 female Caucasian college students. Results show that it is not competition per se that is a primary contributor to eating disorders but rather a hypercompetitiveness form of competitive attitude. (SLD)

Mentoring aids beginning teachers and gives veteran teachers a chance to pass the torch. However, mentors have little control over teaching assignments. Mentoring is one element of beginning teacher assistance and does not supplant other professional relationships that beginners have with their principal, department chairman, and curriculum…

Participants in weekly (spaced practice, n=45) and residential (massed practice, n=55) labor education classes were pretested for cognitive ability and learning goal orientation. After training, declarative knowledge and task-specific self-efficacy were measured. Individuals with high learning goal orientation performed better in the massed rather…

Explores how the simple tenets of "learning centered" theory are changing how community colleges teach students about setting goals and making plans. For example, Valencia Community College's "LifeMap," an all-purpose handbook and philosophy, helps students plan not only their semester but their broader goals. (EV)

Background: There is evidence that an entity view of ability (where ability is viewed as a fixed entity that cannot be changed) is linked with social comparison goals and poor performance. On the other hand, an incremental view of ability (where ability is viewed as an acquirable skill) is linked with a mastery goal orientation and positive…

Bases for individual acceptance and cultural integration of gays and lesbians were investigated by assessing qualities of personality among four participant groups: Heterosexual females, heterosexual males, homosexual females, and homosexual males. Personality was operationally defined as personal qualities and characteristics associated with…

Achievement goal theory suggests that goal orientations and the perceived motivational climate may influence one another and other motivational variables over time. Therefore, the purpose of this study was threefold: (a) to examine the relationship between perceived motivational climate and goal orientations over time (b) to investigate how goal…

This study examined the broader impact that study abroad programs have on students' cross-cultural skills and global understanding and the role that students' goals for participating in study abroad programs play on the development of these outcomes. Two hundred and thirty two (N=232) study-abroad college students were queried regarding their…

When a board member starts pushing an agenda different from the rest of the board and appears personally or emotionally involved in the matter, a superintendent can be put in a very difficult position, impairing the discharge of one's duties and responsibilities. From early on, board members need to be reminded that unlike almost every other…