Reviews the literature on educational innovation to inform those interested in undertaking a teacher-initiated innovation in English-as-a-Second-Language programs. Innovation involves a change that can occur at various levels; it is an ongoing process of revision and should constitute improvement. (31 references) (Author/CK)

Contends that it is important for students to be motivated and well prepared for class units and activities. Describes a "previews of coming attractions" instructional strategy that uses advance organizers to increase information processing efficiency. Includes a sample unit outline illustrating this approach. (CFR)

Contends that student motivation is a major issue for all teachers but is of particular concern for middle school social studies teachers. Reports on an interview with 18 middle school teachers and 60 middle school students on the effectiveness of strategies designed to increase motivation. (CFR)

This article describes an intervention program designed to remediate the school dropout problem by building student self-esteem through experiencing of success in the classroom. Although the intervention model had limited success, it is suggested that the school counselor can become a key person in combating the dropout problem. (Author/LKS)

Presents a current events course designed to teach students in Israel both English language skills as well as the advanced reading and study skills they need to comprehend university level texts and journal articles. A current events approach to academic reading enlivens the foreign language classroom and motivates and broadens the horizons of…

Describes a study that investigated the effect of motivational variables on task persistence and performance in Navy technical training by giving students problems in a self-paced computer simulation game or drill with variable or fixed payoff points. Student responses to an evaluation questionnaire are discussed. (14 references) (LRW)

Asks whether teachers understand why students participate in music education and activities. Discusses three types of motivation: (1) incentive motivation; (2) fear motivation; and (3) intrinsic, or growth motivation. Presents three charts listing criteria for student competency in wind instruments. (CFR)

Discusses changes in the Soviet school system that have given teachers greater voice in determining how they will teach. Suggests that understanding, kindness, and concern will foster a love of school and learning. Argues against abandoning compulsory schooling. Credits perestroika with making it possible for teachers not to have to lie to…

Suggests instructional modifications that utilize liberal arts students interests and strengths to stimulate their interest in mathematics. Suggestions recommend that teachers (1) relate mathematics to current critical issues; (2) make use of projects and open-ended problems; (3) utilize collaborative learning; and (4) provide opportunities for…

Presents five papers from the American Library Association's June 27, 1992, conference session, "The Right to Know: Will Changing Our Instruction Methods Empower the Public," in which panelists debate the design and impact of bibliographic instruction and the provision of reference services in academic and high school libraries. (EA)

Describes the use of DIALOG and Classmate by students at McDowell High School (Texas). Requirements for accessing DIALOG are explained; methods of teaching using DIALOG are described, including planning search strategy and the use of small groups; and problems are reviewed, including supervision time, cost, and limited accessibility. (three…

Compares English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) and foreign-language instruction in terms of the context of learning and course goals. Considers the differences in the backgrounds, attitudes, motivations, sociocultural characteristics, personality factors, and learning styles of ESL and foreign-language students. (GFW)

A study investigated college students' (n=226) academic help-seeking behavior under task-involved and ego-involved classroom conditions, students' attributions for failure, and two types of help source (instrumental, in which the student finds his own solution, and executive, in which a solution is disclosed). Implications for classroom teaching…

Examines relationships between schooling, the economy, and employment for Maltese girls and women. Despite their abilities, girls lower their aspirations to match available jobs or do not enter the labor market. Rising educational standards and social awareness have led to Maltese females' reluctance to participate in the work force. (RLC)

A cooperative activity involving eight sixth grade students over five days focused on inventing static representations of motion. In generating, critiquing and refining numerous representations, strong metarepresentational competence was found. An intricate blend of the children's conceptual and interactional skills, their interest in and sense of…