This study assessed collateral effects during unstructured dinnertime family interactions of two different paradigms for training parents of 17 children with autism. One taught individual target behaviors serially, and the other taught the pivotal responses (PRT) of motivation and responsivity to multiple cues. Results suggested the PRT…

Two evaluations of video programs that involved groups of learners interacting with LaserVision software are presented. One concerns counselling skills for student teachers. The other is a geography simulation program. Program structure, group interaction, and the role of the instructor are discussed. Learners in both studies found the visual…

Nearly 140 studies of motivation in African Americans were reviewed. The review is organized around five topics that are subsumed under three assumptions about the relationship between ethnic minority status and motivation. African Americans appear to maintain a belief in personal control, have high expectancies, and enjoy positive self-regard.…

This study, undertaken to assess the feasibility of the integration of a multimedia learning provision into a university language curriculum, reports results from a questionnaire of 107 undergraduates' attitudes toward the use of a multimedia program. Implications are that multimedia can play a beneficial role in the curriculum and may facilitate…

Self-determination theory and a motivational model of engagement were used to determine the impact of perceived competence and autonomy on engagement and performance in 77 third and fourth graders identified as above average in ability. Children who felt less competent or less autonomous reported more negative affect and withdrawal. (SLD)

Maintains that choral programs' need for accompanists provides a learning opportunity for student musicians. Discusses the problems inherent in this relationship. Recommends forming an accompanist class that meets once a week after school and works on specific skills. (MJP)

Before beginning a Job Corps program offering postsecondary tuition incentives, 19 American Indians aged 17-21 with previous academic difficulties completed self-report measures of cultural identification, perceived deprivation, attributional style, and noncognitive academic factors. Subjects who pursued further education after the program had…

A survey of business, industry, government, medicine, and higher education investigated and ranked methods and materials for teaching factual and visual information; principles, concepts, and rules; procedures; motor skills; attitudes, opinions, and motivation. Findings show individual exercises to be most effective method and interactive video to…

Discusses the use of storytelling by teachers and librarians to promote reading. Topics include folktales; communication through story; oral traditions; learning through story; impact on reading, comprehension, and composition skills; telling/listening interaction; storytelling as a leadership skill; and story and inquiry or discovery learning.…

Describes an integrated curriculum project for fourth graders in a Hawaiian elementary school with a highly transient population. The project, ALOHA (Active Learners on Hawaiian Adventures) was developed to motivate students in learning about Hawaii's culture and ecosystems. Cooperation between the library media specialist, technology coordinator,…

Physical educators and their students often perceive physical education differently. Lack of shared meaning can negatively affect instruction, participation, and learning. Teachers often incorrectly assume that differing responses to instruction reflect off-task behavior. The paper examines the issue, presents implications for teaching and teacher…

Classroom observations and field notes were collected during group reading time in four southeast London primary schools to investigate the interplay between gender, teacher, and peer group influences. Reading behavior among boys differed in each classroom. English as an Additional Language (EAL) male students seemed highly motivated;…

Reports on the evaluation of a computer-based learning system at the University of Dundee (Scotland) used for computing courses. Describes use of the World Wide Web, tutorials, interface, motivation, perceived value in relation to lectures and laboratories, student attitudes, improvements made as a result of the evaluation, and future work. (LRW)

Presents case studies of four college students applying new study strategies, taught and demonstrated in class during one semester, to improve reading and learning. Finds that students need to see a correlation between a study strategy and their final grade before they will utilize deep-level study strategies in place of surface-level strategies.…

Conducted small group discussions with college students to identify what helped or hindered achievement of learning outcomes. Identified four student factors (self management, motivation and needs, understanding, and support), which operate within a context (course organization, resources, and facilities; assessment; and learning activities and…