Outlines stages followed in initial development of an attitude/motivation test battery to study individual differences associated with achievement in French and presents reliability and validity data. Focuses attention on procedures for test construction and evaluation of test adequacy. (Author/BK)

A distinction is drawn between students' ability to understand information and their personal acceptance and valuing of that information. Results of a small-scale study are used to suggest that students may differ in their levels of acceptance of information. Ideas regarding possible future research are discussed. (Author/JMD)

Based on a literature review, reasons for physician participation in traditional continuing medical education programs are categorized as: professionalism, an interest in topics, a means of validating or modifying prior learning, a means to attain a learning objective, and a change of pace. Inner motivation is seen as a more important reason than…

States that revolutionary regimes are conducive to successful mass literacy campaigns, citing examples of Russia, China, and Cuba, and describes the eradication of illiteracy in Vietnam--in North Vietnam by 1958 and in South Vietnam in 1978. Attributes success to the Communist party, the government, and the people. (MF)

Various aspects of independent learning are explored in an attempt to identify some salient components of independent learning. Training teachers in this strategy should facilitate a favorable pupil attitude toward learning and thought processes such as fluency, divergency, analysis, synthesis, etc., which are considered important educational…

Describes what happens when a student and teacher have a negative confrontation. Also discusses what effect external assistance can have in bringing about change in the interaction. (Editor/RK)

By exploring languages other than their own, children can learn important concepts about the nature of language. The center described here was designed to help a class of sixth graders understand that within their own structure languages assign meanings to symbols arbitrarily and to stimulate interest in the way languages operate. (Author)

Article proposes that there are certain periods or ascendancies during which environmental and personal variables interact, resulting in increased motivation and openness for learning on the part of the individual. (RW)

Examined the influence of classroom learning environment on second language intrinsic motivation of young foreign language learners in a predominantly monolingual context. Results showed that a predictable learning environment, moderately challenging tasks, necessary instructional support, and evaluation that emphasized self-improvement, and…

Discusses electronic learning and what makes it different from learning in traditional classrooms. Topics include information architecture; user interface design; the importance of focusing on content; constructivism; self-directed learning; learning motivation; reflective approach; learning styles; and experiential learning. (LRW)

Describes Jigsaw Teaching, a cooperative learning approach, in relation to mineral identification. This technique may also be applied to rock identification. Students work in groups of four and learn to identify 20 minerals, becoming an "expert" on five of them. Helping to teach other students reinforces what each student has learned.…

Examined self-determination theory (SDT) in the language learning context. Involved the development of a valid and reliable instrument to assess different subtypes of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and explored the link between these motivational sub-types and various orientations to language learning. Showed instrumental orientation and the…

Examines the hypothesis that students' perceptions of teacher autonomy support, parent attachment, competence, and self-worth would predict motivational orientation and achievement test performance. Results indicate that autonomy support, parent attachment, scholastic competence, and self-worth predicted the academic criterion variables.…

A review of research on college student motivation and its relationship to learning looks at popular views of motivation, extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation, the effects of extrinsic rewards, similarities to learning orientation and grading orientation, evaluation methods, and the power structure in the classroom. (MSE)