Interactive drama, a simplified form of drama, is a vehicle through which children can become involved with literature. When preservice teachers are presented with interactive drama in a college setting, it serves as an introduction to the simple, effective learning experiences available through informal drama activities. In an interactive drama,…

A study investigated the experience of midcareer adults in self-directed graduate programs. It explored two questions in the researcher's personal experience: as a learner, what caused the researcher's change in learning-orientation from goal- to learning-oriented and, as a teacher, could the researcher justify using both self- and…

This book includes: a theoretical summary of the various facets of motivation, an examination of how the theoretical insights can help classroom practitioners in their everyday teaching practice and practical recommendations on how motivation can be researched and assessed. The following chapters are included: "Main Challenges of Motivation…

This brief highlights some of the reasons that low motivation may prevent students from reaching their full educational potential. It begins with a discussion of some of the factors that contribute to this problem, including lack of relevance, fear of failure, learning problems, lack of challenge, and emotional distress. Most of the brief is…

Classroom observation and student group interviews in two French and two English elementary schools suggest that student understanding of such educational values as authority, thought, the nature of student control over learning, and educational goals and how to achieve them are related to national culture and affect student motivation. Contains…

The David School in rural Floyd County, Kentucky, is a small private nonprofit high school that has served high-risk students and returned dropouts for the past 22 years. All students receive job training in a practical field and do not graduate until they have a well-paying job or are enrolled in college or vocational training. (LP)

Discusses seven basic principles related to instructional design for adult trainees in a business environment. Topics discussed include objectives of instructional design; performance problems; feedback; assessment; analysis; production, using the most suitable medium; evaluation; implementation; incentives; motivation; and job aids. An adult…

Tests the existence of a structural shift between above- and below-average students in the econometric models that explain students' grades in principles of economics classes. Identifies a structural shift and estimates separate models for above- and below-average students. Concludes that separate models as well as educational policies are…

Examines praise as one of the ways children learn how to play an appropriate role in the school environment. Presents an analysis of praise during group discussion in four child-care centers. Suggests that in all four centers, children were being schooled in passivity rather than being encouraged to be active problem solvers and knowledge seekers.…

Presents an approach to geometry that integrates mathematics and language teaching. Suggests that mathematics is more than manipulation of numbers: it is a way of thinking about things. Argues that mathematics and language should be united especially to achieve the goal of promoting the development of analytical thinkers, as the ability to see…

The Socratic method of teaching, which uses open-ended questions asked in a logical sequence, is discussed. Suggestions for structuring curriculum content around seven adult learning principles and Socratic process analysis systems for student motivation are included. (SLW)

Discusses the Arabic language and the motivation to acquire the language within the Israeli setting. Examination focuses on the judicial status of Arabic and its communicative functions within the community, linguistic policy of the Israeli political center and the status of Arabic within the educational system, and attitudes toward Arabic and its…

Characteristics of motivated and demotivated students in humanities and high and low technical secondary education were studied for 1,824 Belgian students in the eighth, tenth, or twelfth grade. Subgroups based on motivation were formed using student self-ratings, teacher ratings, and scores on predictor measures. (SLD)

Summarizes seven ERIC documents and three journal articles on student motivation, focusing on students in the intermediate grades and middle level education. A number of factors that influence student motivation, as well as strategies for improving student attitudes toward learning, are covered. (TJQ)

As learner-centred approaches are gaining popularity in many language classrooms, the affective dimensions of learners and the interaction effects of learners and teachers have become an important theme for research and assessment. This paper explores how Japanese learners of English as a foreign language evolve in two geographically distinct…