Uses research and theory on intrinsic motivation to suggest that some service learning practices may be counterproductive over the long term. Offers suggestions about the structure of service learning requirements concerning: (1) choice and control over community assignments; (2) choice and control over how activities are undertaken on site; and…

Distance learners are self-directed learners traditionally taught via study books, collections of readings, and exercises to test understanding of learning packages. Despite advances in e-Learning environments and computer-based teaching interfaces, distance learners still lack opportunities to participate in exercises and debates available to…

Five communication strategies are essential to success in large courses: managing instructor anxiety, using presentation time efficiently, motivating students, communicating enthusiasm, and organizing content. (MLW)

A French language program for Mexican children established by the Franco-Mexican Alliance uses penpal correspondence to motivate language learning. Age-appropriate and balanced learning activities and a well-articulated progression of courses make this a successful approach for children. (MSE)

Describes how the Internet was used in an English class for architecture and construction students at the University of Granada (Spain). Discusses course organization; links to construction company Web sites; active learning; group work; student presentations; student autonomy and student motivation; and problems with plagiarism. (LRW)

Describes the development of a new mathematics course in a school district in Great Britain which was designed for low achieving high school students. Provides the course design including aims, objectives, levels of attainment, and assessment exercises. Discusses the mathematics achievement certificate created as a result of the course. (TW)

The Spanish Intensive Courses sequence at the University of South Carolina, first offered in fall 1982, has become well received and highly visible in the university. The sequence has grown to three courses in fall 1983, all exceeding minimum enrollment requirements despite selective admission criteria. The success of the sequence has inspired the…

Component-building research on practical issues of instructional design can make a substantial contribution to research-based school improvement. Component-building research consists of rigorous within-school experiments that test various components of instruction for effects on student achievement. Research would address practical issues that…

An intensive case study in learning a second foreign language, which is part of an applied linguistics course for teachers/teacher trainees offered at the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa) is described. Attention is directed to: case study rationale and objectives; student orientation and preparation; and areas of focus and the…

Although a basic premise of higher education is that students must take the primary responsibility for their own learning, problems arise when the focus throughout elementary and secondary schooling is on passive, rote learning with the student totally dependent on the teacher and text, as in Islamic schools. The educational shock experienced in…