This study investigated two statistics classroom environments that "a priori" appeared to hold promise as being motivationally effective classrooms. One environment (2 classes totaling 51 students) was at the high school level and the other environment (4 classes, 70 students) was at the graduate level. The study focused on students'…

The Newspaper section of the Proceedings contains the following 16 papers: "Reader-Friendly Journalism's Lasting Impact: A Study of Reporters and Editors Involved in Knight-Ridder's 25/43 Project" (Kris Kodrich); "An Analysis of Online Sites Produced by U.S. Newspapers: Are the Critics Right?" (Jon Gubman and Jennifer Greer);…

Creating an empowering and positive classroom environment requires focusing on the processes of developing trust in self and others, participation and communication in the classroom. Establishing a classroom that accommodates diverse students who have varied backgrounds, interests, and preferences poses a challenging situation for university…

A national forum was conducted in September 1997 to obtain the views of former and current students in adult literacy education programs about challenges they faced and ways to facilitate success for future students. The thoughts of 57 literacy delegates from 44 states were elicited on 4 topics: participants' hopes and expectations; accessibility…

This paper discusses the results from 20 interviews over 10 years with therapeutic support staff members (TSSs) who revealed practices that they successfully implemented while working in inclusionary classrooms with students who had severe behavior challenges. All of the interviewees had Bachelor's degrees in behavior modification. They all worked…

Twenty papers on motivating college students are grouped into four sections: (1) the impact of teaching on student motivation; (2) motivating diverse students; (3) the impact of university practices on motivation; and (4) the impact of assessment on motivation. After an introductory selection by Sally Brown, Steve Armstrong, and Gail Thompson, the…

Recent efforts targeting teenage pregnancy in the United States have marked a renewed conviction to reduce the level of childbearing among adolescents. Some of the behavioral, psychosocial, and ethnographic studies that explore the underlying motivation to delay sex and to effectively use contraception are the focus of this literature review.…

This paper presents a comparative case study of two students learning in an urban environment but characterized by high motivation, effective discipline, small classes, generous academic support, counseling, and educational equipment. The primary question driving the study relates to the challenges to meaningful learning in a special science high…

The long term impact of inquiry-based science instruction is explored in this study that examines the relationship between an inquiry-based science program on students' attitudes towards science and interest in science careers several years after participation in the program. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the long term effects of the…

This children's novel tells the story of Zachary (nicknamed Zipper), a fifth-grader who has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The boy has trouble concentrating and controlling himself until a retired jazz musician recognizes his talent, believes in him, and gives him the motivation to start trying to do better. An appendix provides…

This monograph is comprised of five papers originally presented at a symposium concerning degree completion or non-completion (ABDs--"all but dissertation") of doctoral students in colleges of education. The first paper is by Raymond Kluever and is titled "ABDs and Graduates from a College of Education: Responsibility, Barriers, and…

This paper reports on observations from teaching an undergraduate information-based organization (IBO) course and builds on past research to explain the findings in student issues, achievement motivation, and small-group effectiveness in information management teaching. The paper has three purposes: (1) to describe the development of a new course…

Focus group interviews were conducted during the 1999 Spring semester at a midsized southern university to explore student opinions regarding binge drinking prevention messages and intervention components of the TSN (Tailored to Stages and Norms) program. Subjects included 35 undergraduate students participating in 6 focus group sessions, with…

The Internet makes available an unparalleled, and seemingly unlimited, repository of resources and ideas for social studies teachers. This book provides guidance and explores how the Internet can become an essential element in a teacher's repertoire of tools for engaging students in social studies curriculum. Chapters in the book are: (1)…

This study addresses the issue of integrating technology into the curriculum. It explores how teachers use technology when they are given inservice training that has been customized to meet the needs of each individual for the integration of technology. The research was conducted in a school district in a suburb of Philadelphia. The three teachers…