Suggests that because the new methodological emphasis in intermediate-level foreign-0language courses has shifted from translation-based learning, which utilized literary texts extensively, to communication-based learning, literature has been overlooked as a viable tool of instruction. Argues that this shift does not allow students to develop an…

Explores the views of 226 students regarding their motivation to learn English and the views of 95 student teachers regarding their motivation to become teachers of English in Slovenia. Finds that students focus on instrumental reasons (future benefits) for learning English, while student teachers recognize the importance of English for their…

This study examined one group of adults attempting to develop their heritage language to discover their motivation for studying the language and the challenges they encountered. Twenty-four Korean American students enrolled in beginning to advanced levels of Korean in one heritage language program were surveyed. (Author/JL)

Two studies investigated how goals and self-evaluation affect motivation and achievement outcomes. In both studies, fourth-grade students received instruction and practice on fractions over sessions. Students worked under conditions involving either a goal of learning how to solve problems (learning goal) or a goal of merely solving them…

A survey of 43 Scottish open university students, aged 28-87, who were studying another language, examined extent of bilingualism; schooling in and exposure to other languages in youth; school, family, media, and travel influences on language attitudes; and motivations for language study. Social and educational legacies affecting student…

Interest in and support for language study has been strengthened in the United States in recent years. This article suggests specific ways that parents, teachers, school administrators, policymakers, and members of the business community can foster the learning of languages among children and adults. (Author/VWL)

Two projects provided learning activities in information and communications technologies for rural unemployed people in Britain, primarily women. Questionnaires and focus groups revealed that many were motivated by the desire to support their children's learning; most had not enjoyed early schooling; informal community networks reinforced and…

Argues that despite the decline in enrollments in German at elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities, there is reason to hope that interest can be invigorated. Suggests that there are easy instructional methods and materials for developing a new motivation in learning the language. (Author/VWL)

Examined the motivation to learn English among first-year Puerto Rican high school students. Attempted to isolate discrete clusters of motivation and sought to investigate the relationship between type and strength of motivation. Factor analysis revealed two motivation clusters that resembled instrumental and integrative motivation. (Author/VWL)

Globalization and technology are two of the many drivers that impact today's education, locally and internationally. The purpose of the research study was to identify how online learners in Korea and the US perceived online learning motivation differently and what learner characteristics and cultural orientation affected the online learners'…

Student motivation is correlated with learning. Douglas McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y as a basis for understanding and improving motivation in the business world can be directly applied to the science classroom. Teachers with a Theory Y perspective (students naturally want to learn) provide increased motivation for students and promote more…

Medical advances and lifestyle changes have resulted in older adults living longer and healthier lives. Nevertheless, older adulthood, as other life stages, requires change in work, family, and health. Self-directed learning (SDL) is one way of negotiating these transitions. The purpose of this study was to understand this process of learning.…

Persistent low numbers of African Americans in the foreign language teacher certification program at the University of Texas at Austin motivated the study reported here. Two groups of students responded to a questionnaire that sought information on foreign language experience at elementary and high school, as well as family experiences in foreign…

Members of "Primary Science Review" Editorial Board explain what drew them to science. Alan Peacock, "PSR" Editor, emphasises the need to preserve children's sense of wonderment about the world. Robert Collins, a science educator in the Faculty of Education, University of Strathclyde, thinks people are "secret science…

There is continuing interest in the notion of learner autonomy, both as an effective means and valid goal of a language learning curriculum. However, the concept is recognised as emanating from Western tertiary educational contexts and as open to question in different sociocultural settings. This paper reports on a study of language learning…