Describes a study of ninth graders that investigated the effects of learner and program control over content review in science-related computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Results of posttests, continuing motivation measures, and attitude questions are discussed; and future research is suggested. (35 references) (LRW)

Describes a study of how Chinese-American family and community behaviors, routines, values, and expectations affect the educational achievement of Chinese-American children. Finds that some traits, valuing effort over innate ability and parental involvement, do support academic achievement in association with certain social and economic…

Investigated how family processes influence high school student dropout behavior. Used a sample of 114 dropouts from 1 California high school, 48 of whom were matched to similarly profiled continuing students. Identified factors that explain students' dropout decisions: permissive parenting, negative parental reactions to grades, excessive…

Relationships among student motivational orientation, self-regulated learning, and classroom academic performance were examined for 173 seventh graders. Results provide empirical evidence for considering motivational and self-regulated learning components in models of academic performance. Involvement in self-regulated learning is tied closely to…

Presents insights gained from the operation of the With and for Parents program in the Harlem Park neighborhood of Baltimore (Maryland). The aim was to increase the influence of low-income minority parents over children's decisions to remain in school until graduation. Changing parent attitudes was the project's key. (SLD)

Describes an evaluation of the effects of the Mathematics and Science Computer Assisted Remedial Teaching (MASCART) software on students at the University of Botswana. Treatment of experimental and control groups is explained, effects on ability groups are discussed, and increased time on task and student motivation are considered. (14 references)…

Investigates the relationship between social studies classroom environment and student motivation. Correlates several environmental variables with three motivational constructs (academic motivation, academic self-concept, and social self-concept) among 157 sixth grade, predominantly Hispanic students. Finds student satisfaction significantly…

Effects of the involvement, classroom structure, and autonomy support of 14 teachers on the behavioral and emotional engagement of 144 third through fifth graders were studied across a school year. Results suggest that behaviorally disengaged students receive teacher responses that should further undermine motivation. (SLD)

Examines relationships among socioeconomic advantage, achievement motivation, and academic performance in an urban elementary school population of 130 African-American and Hispanic fourth- through sixth-grade students. Results indicate that socioeconomic advantage and achievement motivation are significant mediators of academic performance among…

Criticizes most history textbooks for presenting a single perspective with few conflicting ideas. Characterizes literature-based instruction as a resource rich in multiple viewpoints that invites the reader to enter into moral discussions about historical events. Presents several examples of trade books illustrating specific historical periods…

Summarizes Process Communications Management's six basic personality types: feelers, thinkers, believers, dreamers, funsters, and doers, and discusses the implications for teachers. Two keys to reaching all students in the classroom are to meet each student's motivational needs positively and to talk to them in a way in which they can best relate.…

Describes the Conditional Acceptance Program (CAP), an intervention program geared towards underprepared, underachieving entering college freshmen. Identifies key program components while establishing the primary theoretical basis or rationale for each, and encourages the reader to critically evaluate and reflect upon various and integrated…

Achievement goal theory (AGT) has shown great promise as a framework for developing motivational climates that positively influence student motivation (Nicholls, 1984, 1989). AGT was developed as researchers began to question how students measure their success in achievement settings such as sport or physical education (PE). The theory proposes…

Supportive and caring relations within families promote academic achievement and protect against involvement in health-risk behaviors by adolescents. Similarly, supportive and caring relationships within schools (henceforth, school connectedness) promote academic motivation among adolescents. Much less is known, however, about the influence of…

This study investigated the effects of different teaching styles on the teaching behaviours that influence motivational climate and pupils' cognitive and affective responses in physical education. Four (two male, two female) initial teacher education (ITE) students and 92 pupils (47 boys, 45 girls), from two schools in the UK, participated in the…