The Knox County extended school year (ESY) program emphasized K-12 curriculum improvement. During the trial of the ESY scheduling and curriculum changes, there was an increase in English and social studies scores at the high school, an increase at all levels in the extent to which students perceived that individualization of instruction was taking…

Describes different kinds of student correspondence over the writing center network at a state university. Argues that the interaction between student and text via machine promotes good writing and improved motivation, even when the subject matter is as extracurricular as dating. Includes messages from student to student, student to teacher, and…

Discusses some of the uses of teleconferencing for administrators, teachers, and students. Explains the basic concepts behind teleconferencing, providing examples of online systems and their potential for use by educators. Describes some advantages and disadvantages for both educators and students in utilizing this technology. (TW)

Motivating students through preparing their writing for publication and then publishing it offers a better alternative to the task analysis method of teaching remedial writing to university students. One teacher's experiences at the Summer Bridge Program at Sonoma State University are described. (MLW)

Reveals the phases through which an apathetic eighth-grade class of poor readers went on their way to becoming active learners. The phases included: (1) discussing attitudes and goals; (2) positive environment; (3) sharing literature through oral reading; (4) reading for an audience; and (5) active learning. (SKC)

Summarizes the NAEYC position statement on developmentally appropriate practice in the primary grades serving students aged 5 through 8 years. Uses a comparative format of appropriate and inappropriate practice related to curriculum goals, teaching strategies, integrated curriculum, guidance of social and emotional development, motivation, and…

Offers (1) suggestions for improving college students' study skills; (2) a system for keeping track of parent, teacher, and community contacts; (3) suggestions for motivating students using tic tac toe; (4) suggestions for using etymology to improve word retention; (5) a word search grid; and (6) suggestions for using postcards in remedial reading…

A study of 150 college students' attribution of academic success examined the relative importance of 12 categories of factors: study habits, course content, teacher, social factors, interest, motivation, ability, domestic security, peers, luck, financial security, and health. (MSE)

Discusses the idea of "master-students," where college professors from two different disciplines take each other's courses. Describes the experiences of an English professor and a chemistry professor who became master-students in each other's classes. Suggests this as a technique for improving teaching and understanding student problems. (TW)

Describes a secondary analysis of a national assessment of educational progress in science which was conducted in 1981-1982 with students of age nine. Suggests that elementary school students' achievement and attitude are influenced jointly by a number of factors rather than by one or two dominant ones. (TW)

Discusses the concept of motivation and two central, theoretical disputes: how intrinsic and extrinsic rewards function and whether incentives must be focused to be effective. Reviews studies on merit pay and career ladder plans and considers the potential role of group-based collegial incentives in teacher motivation. Appended are 123 footnotes.…

Offers 11 recommendations (based on the success of vocational training programs established at Wisconsin's Ethan Allen and Lincoln Hills correctional high schools) for establishing a curriculum that meets problem students' needs. (IW)

Compares effect of practicum length on professional predispositions (motivation toward teaching, attitudes toward teaching career, student teachers' self-concept) of 60 Canadian student teachers. Students completing 20-week practicum had significantly lower values than those completing 3-week practicum. Only after lengthy practicum does reality of…

Outlines the history of the Reverend Jesse Jackson's involvement in urban school reform and focuses particularly on Project PUSH-EXCEL: his positive self-image program for Black children. Reviews negative criticisms that have been made against Jackson but concludes that his efforts are both positive and necessary. (KH)

This document represents a comprehensive summary of current research and theory on the sources of innovation and creativity, both in individuals and organizations. Based on the recurring concepts in the existing literature, the document concludes with some recommendations for how education systems can best foster these attributes in students. Both…