A description of four research strategies which are different from the commonly used between-groups design: the sub-group method, the regression or correlation method, the case study method and the ethnography method. Two studies carried out in Montreal using the regression method are discussed. (AMH)

Elementary education majors might be better able to guide children in self-directed learning if they are exposed to such an experience in their formal training. A reading methods course stressing self-directed learning is described and a bibliography is provided. (JMD)

Pressure for competency based teaching and the need for models of teacher effectiveness for teacher education prompted this research on the influences on cognitive and affective learning. The results indicate that teacher personality is an influence and that during the elementary years the affective domain is more important than the cognitive.…

To ascertain the specific determinants that should be considered when instituting continuing nursing education programs, a survey of nurses was conducted. Based on 425 responses, seven determinants were identified, including the need to do prestigious work, interest in increasing one's knowledge base, and special needs related to the employing…

Discusses a new approach for the effective use of mixed ability teaching. (Editor/RK)

Presents a model which provides a theoretical framework for conducting research regarding the determinants of a professional's intention to participate in continuing education. The framework's three components are the professional's (1) attitude toward participation, (2) perception about what significant others think about his or her…

While raising the SAT scores of students is a worthy goal, it is important not to lose sight of the need for teachers to develop their own professional knowledge, so they may broaden the vision of pupils and give them an understanding of the importance of human interaction in the world beyond the classroom. (JD)

Presents three broad areas--writing anxiety, motivation, and beliefs--that seem to be ripe for study in terms of affect, and suggests that the constructivist views refined by George Mandler could be helpful to drive such research. (NH)

Reprint of Corey's classic satire written in the first person of a student who is discussing his overview of his educational experiences in elementary school. From a seventh grader's perspective, the article speaks sensitively and clearly to the dynamics underpinning the dichotomy between a student operating within a rigid academic structure and…

Discusses the impact of planning on classroom environment, students, motivation, and learning by studying existing research as well as personal experiences and observations. Concludes that effective motivation efforts result in learners spending more time "on task," which should lead to higher levels of achievement. (MM)

Form and function of reinforcement is discussed with attention to the focus for feedback. Case studies of five junior high schools provide data and field notes for a tentative analysis of the determinants of reinforcement including organizational factors and types of computer assisted instruction applications. (Author/MBR)

Explores, in two independent replications one year apart, the possiblility that (a) the actions of three-year-old children are guided and accompanied by self-evaluations and withdrawal, (b) that self-evaluations and withdrawal have a motivational function for persistence, and (c) that they are influenced by the mother's behavior when interacting…

Defines and discusses the operating principles of the Explorative-Creative Way of language teaching, an approach in which the teacher encourages the students to investigate the target language and to tap the linguistic resources available to them in order to produce a maximum number of new meaningful utterances. (SED)

This study investigated a causal model of second language learning, in particular, three situation-specific constructs: language class discomfort, language class risktaking, and language class sociability. Findings indicate that discomfort negatively predicted risktaking and sociability, risktaking positively predicted participation, and…

Considers the impact of the lack of computer literacy and computer-assisted instruction on the socially and economically disadvantaged in terms of basic living skills as well as vocational and educational opportunities, and makes four recommendations for ensuring that all segments of society will share equally in the benefits of computer…