Reports on an experiment in electronic mail and computer-assisted classroom discussion among 41 college-level French students. Describes the research design and the results as they relate to students' attitudes and motivation. Finds that local area networks seem to encourage discussion among students. (CFR)

Maintains that group keyboard instruction provides a positive, motivating environment for elementary music students. Asserts that keyboard instruction encourages students to try other instruments. Provides suggestions for using keyboards in lower and upper elementary classrooms. (CFR)

Presents an interview between a researcher and a teacher who was the subject of two studies. Discusses the teacher's impressions of each study, the researchers, and what was learned from each experience. Describes problems with research methods and interpersonal factors. Concludes that participating in research is a valuable experience for…

Describes a course entitled "DNA and Evolution" in which students develop an appreciation for what science is and how it is practiced as well as an understanding of how some of the most central ideas in biology were developed and tested. Discusses the design of the course, the lecture and discussion topics, and the results and their…

Describes a study of academic library staff in Nigeria that was conducted to examine correlations between job satisfaction, job attitudes, work behavior, and motivation. Relevant research is reviewed, predictor variables for job satisfaction are discussed, and implications for library administrators are suggested. (14 references) (LRW)

A survey of 357 newly graduated pharmacists and 270 graduate pharmacy students showed economic motives were more often indicated by the former and intrinsic job attributes more frequently cited by the latter as reasons for deciding whether or not to pursue graduate study. A subsample study allowed development of student profiles. (Author/MSE)

Presents study results examining the effectiveness of teacher praise on children's on-task behavior. Describes Canter's Assertive Discipline, its use in Australia, and the basics of a study of the technique. Reports that all teacher subjects increased rates of praising following training, and all but one student improved levels of behavior.…

Studies attitudes of 120 African-American undergraduates toward academic interdependence and motivation in interdependent and independent learning contexts. Results indicate a prevalent cooperative academic attitude, with a positive impact on academic motivation in cooperative contexts. African-American students tend to be disposed more toward…

Examines eight factors affecting change in the California social studies curriculum. Considers Limited-English-Proficient students, uninterested students, teacher standards, teacher recruitment, support of teachers, the 1988 History-Social Science Framework, textbook adoption, and the California Assessment Program. Argues that a proactive…

Discusses the importance of attracting and maintaining student interest when teaching history. Argues that students learn best when they participate. Recommends using open-ended questions to motivate students to the process of studying history, making choices, and looking for answers. Emphasizes the value of mentoring, continuing education, and…

A recent structural model suggesting that nine factors exerted effects on seventh grade students' mathematics achievement and attitude was further tested with a national sample of 2,500 tenth grade mathematics students. The structural model, evolved and cross-validated with the younger sample, significantly accounted for variance in mathematics…

The Microcomputer Adaptive Testing High-Risk-Urban Students (MATH-R-US) project made computerized assessment an integral part of remedial high school mathematics at an inner-city school with predominantly African-American students. Results suggest that the girls exhibited greater self-esteem toward using computers than did boys and that…

Reports on a naturalistic study conducted with 24 low-achieving high school biology students that determined how the teacher and students used two computer-based videodisk programs, a print-based activity, and a dissection laboratory to learn about frog anatomy and to conduct a frog dissection. Future research is suggested. (Contains 14…

Describes a computer-literature project for middle school and high school students that was developed through the Fairfield-Westchester Children's Reading Project (CT) to promote online discussions between students and authors. Classroom activities are described, project financing is discussed, and teacher responses that indicate positive effects…

Presents seven Soviet educators' experiences with cooperation in the classroom. Emphasizes building student confidence and esteem to develop students' intrinsic motivation to learn. Examines teacher-student relationships, student evaluation, and creative teaching methods that envision teachers and students as equal partners in the educational…