A discussion of factors associated with evaluation of proposed alternative educational systems is presented in brief form. Emphasis is given to enumeration of critical characteristics serving as the basis of comparison, examination of alternative systems in terms of each characteristic, and determination based on the comparison as to whether the…

The components of motivation in foreign language (FL) learning are examined as well as the effect of those components on certain language learning behaviors. Two basic assumptions are derived from the results of the study. These include the following: (1) Motivation in FL learning contexts (e.g., learning English in Hungary) is different in some…

This study surveys recent literature on education in Japan to determine what elements of the Japanese educational system could be incorporated into America's pedagogical system. There are four sections with the following titles: (1) What comparisons are being made between Japanese and American students in achievement and IQ tests scores? (2) How…

Two different uses of computers in instruction are Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) and Computer Managed Instruction (CMI). CMI is primarily concerned with data management in the instructional process, and CAI is the use of computers to control the instructional process itself. The uses of computers in instruction can be described in four main…

The use of electric typewriters for beginning reading instruction was investigated. Thirty-six freshmen and sophomore education majors worked for 10 weeks with nine pairs of L-level (first-grade) children from the Wisconsin University laboratory school on SRA materials, Dolch phrases, and creative writing. Half used typewriters and the rest,…

Assessed undergraduate and graduate students' level of curiosity and intrinsic motivation. Few differences were found among the undergraduates, but they differed noticeably from the graduates in their motivational patterns. Differences are discussed in terms of motivational determinants. (Author)

Secondary school teachers participating (n=371) and not participating (n=422) in continuing education in Hong Kong were surveyed. Such variables as situations, dispositions, attitudes, beliefs, and social norms did not distinguish participants from nonparticipants. The only significant factors were socioeconomic status and motivations. (SK)

Previous research indicates that foreign language learners are much more focused on accuracy, particularly grammatical accuracy, than their teachers are. The purpose of the current study was to gain a more detailed understanding of American learners' views of the need for accuracy in the oral production of a foreign language (German) by (a)…

The paper's proposition is that many "overtly behavioristic" innovations in teacher education (performance-based education, microteaching, microsupervision, and microcounseling) are not in conflict with the humanistic approach; the critical need for understanding and application of the construct of intentionality demands that humanists…

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)

Compares and contrasts distance education and face-to-face education in terms of selected psychological dimensions, i.e., organization and learning, motivation, learning and communication processes, didactic activities and materials, and evaluation and feedback. Psychological aspects of distance education that may be favorable to learning are also…

The reasons for a child's failure to learn in school are complex and stem from various sources--broken homes, parental indifference, and irresponsible parental behavior. (CK)

An entering university class (N=2,391) was observed across five semesters to study differences in motivational factors (adjusted for differences in talent) between students who declared majors and those who did not. Results indicated that the longer a student waited to declare a major, the lower were the motivation indicators. (Author)

A study investigated the effects of grading practices on the oral production and attitudes of high school students in first-year German courses. The effectiveness of structured situational practice activities on oral communication with and without grading were examined. Results indicated that there were differences in proficiency as related to…

This study investigated characteristics differentiating life-long learners from low participants in learning among 195 human service professionals in southern New England. Discriminant function analysis of seven extracted factors and three demographic variables indicated significant differences distinguishing the two groups. (TJH)