In a study of declining college entrance examination scores, it was found that student-related factors, such as academic courses taken, were more closely related to test scores than school-related or family structure factors. (ED.)

Suggests that children will be motivated to learn if they are taught by educational games. Games emphasize the importance of the learning process, minimize the humiliation of failure, and capture children's interests. (Author/DB)

A model is presented which relates the adult in a job to that adult's interests and needs as viewed by the individual and others. The meeting or nonmeeting of these interests and needs is then related to the continuing education process and what effect that has on the individual's job. (Author)

Elementary school German programs can demonstrate both the value and the accessibility of the German language. Cultural experiences make both the language and the countries in which it is spoken inviting and attractive, and successful elementary programs can overcome old prejudices. (Author/MSE)

Examines the predictive validity of the "Attitude/Motivation Test Battery" (Gardner, et al, 1979), specifically the three composite measures derived from the battery--motivation, integrativeness, and attitudes toward the learning situation. Results demonstrate that the three factors are relatively consistent predictors of second language…

Demonstrates how minority "group" behaviors and beliefs can have complex and powerful effects on individual learning in the classroom. (HTH)

Argues that adults learn differently than children. States the assumptions of the pedagogical and andragogical models regarding the concept of the learner, the role of the learner's experience, readiness and motivation to learn, and orientation to learning. Reviews studies about the characteristics and processes of adult learning. Discusses…

Contemporary medical students, it is suggested, view science in particular and the intellect in general as difficult allies at best. What emerges are physicians without inquiring minds, physicians who bring to the bedside not curiosity and a desire to understand but a set of reflexes. (MLW)

Black respondents to a questionnaire identified lack of motivation and lack of quality education as major problems of Black Duval County students. Busing for desegregation purposes, although not liked, was regarded as the least serious problem. (CMG)

The Oregon System in Mathematics Education tries to rid teachers of their long-standing fear of math and help them see it as a useful, problem-solving tool. (Editor)

This article examines older adult preferences for instrumental vs. expressive learning activities. Course title selections and actual learning activity information were analyzed. Interviews with 256 Nebraskans, 55 or older, (average age was 68.11) were obtained. It was concluded that more instrumental learning opportunities must be made available…

Introduces the concept of formal and informal groups in a variety of settings, including the classroom. Argues that informal group processes in the classroom do make a difference in the accomplishment of formal learning goals and provides suggestions for legitimizing communication about student feelings and for giving to students formal…

Describes a behavior-modification program used effectively with elementary school underachievers (Grades 3-6). (HMV)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the problems associated with learner motivation in Web-based instruction, in particular in self-directed online learning environments. This study is interested in identifying and exploring what motivate or demotivate learners from completing a self-directed online course, which have implications for…

The purpose of this qualitative study done in 2003 was to determine which factors motivated the adult learners who were employed full time to pursue and complete a college degree at a Southern California university complex. Using a structured survey which included Q-Sort and Likert Scale methodologies followed by in-depth interviews, the study's…