Maintains that many educators are using sequences to create accompaniments and practice tapes geared to student abilities. Describes musical instruction using Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). Discusses eight suggestions designed to make the process of sequencing more efficient. (CFR)

The academic achievement of students in Nigeria, Sweden, Canada, and other countries demonstrates that students will work hard and achieve at high levels if they know what is expected and if serious consequences are attached to achievement. External curriculum-based examinations have great potential for educational improvement in the United…

Thirty-six Hispanic high school sophomores were identified as academically resilient (from impoverished stressful background with a grade point average of 2.75 or above). Compared to their nonresilient peers, resilient students believed more in their own cognitive abilities and placed less emphasis on having close ties with family and friends.…

A high school teacher examined how using technology in his chemistry classroom would affect students' attitudes and motivation. Observations, interviews, and surveys indicated that students stayed on task longer, wanted to come in to finish labs, wanted to know how they could improve, and felt they understood certain concepts better. (SM)

Reports on a study of the relationship between achievement motivation at school and child-rearing practices. Finds that more motivated children live in more rigidly structured families. Suggests more research on the differential influences of social context and gender. (CFR)

Describes a special activity that offers an alternative for elementary physical educators with limited time, providing visual stimulation to generate student interest and enhance motivation to participate in personal fitness pursuits. The program helps students understand the benefits of fitness participation and increases awareness of physical…

Surveys United Kingdom local twinning links with the aim of obtaining a detailed picture of the extent and scope of twinning activity and its perceived benefits. Twinning can bring an increasing awareness to the public at large of the benefits and delights which can result from acquiring foreign language skills. (CK)

The role of metacognition in fostering or inhibiting success in introductory quantitative college courses is examined. One teacher's efforts to build student confidence in an elementary statistics course for psychology are described, and student resistance to active learning methods is discussed. (MSE)

A 10-year study of the major career choice factors of social work undergraduates (n=746) found that, although altruism remains important, students are motivated by both service to others and job self-interest. Dimensions of motivation for choosing social work have not changed significantly over this period. (Author/MSE)

Reports on interdisciplinary instructional techniques in music education for young children recommended by seven music educators. Maintains that young children especially benefit from an interdisciplinary approach. Concludes that teachers should not lose sight of music education objectives while reinforcing other learning. (CFR)

Interviews with 2,048 Norwegian adults support the hypotheses that the high social status associated with higher education protects educated adults from direct competition with immigrants; high education strengthens the general ability of mastering; and high education creates motivation and the ability to act opportunistically. Unsupported…

Presents an update on a university's articulation work. The university aimed at collaboration in specifying the skills and knowledge expected of elementary and secondary students, motivating these students for higher education, setting standards and providing feedback to school districts. Progress in articulation is slow but discernible. (seven…

A college professor and his undergraduate student daughter discuss student motivation, relate this to the daughter's desire to own a horse, and discuss six concepts for motivation: giving students choices, placing material in context, arousing curiosity, being enthusiastic, giving students a sense of control, and knowing students personally. (JB)

Critiques current understandings of children's motivation for literacy learning, and argues for a reconceptualization of motivation that centers on the learner as agent in the social construction of meaning. Uses vignettes and examples from studies conducted in whole-language classrooms to investigate children's perspectives of their own literacy…

Discusses reading and writing activities in a foreign language. Implications of emergent literacy research for foreign-language instruction focus on when to initiate these activities, what sorts of literacy materials to use, what kinds of tasks to utilize and how to direct novice foreign-language learners. (46 references) (CK)