Describes an ethnographic study conducted in a grade four classroom during language arts instruction to discover patterns of a traditional approach, a whole-language approach, or a combination of the two. Compares and contrasts traditional and whole-language approaches according to specific dimensions: concept of learning, curriculum, pedagogy,…

Discusses a case of language program revitalization at a major metropolitan university. Results of a pilot study aimed at assessing students' needs and redefining the goals and objectives of a traditional French program are presented. (Author/VWL)

The ARCS (attention/relevance/confidence/satisfaction) model of motivational design provides a systematic seven-step approach to incorporating motivational tactics into instruction. Application of the ARCS model to computer-based instruction and distance education is examined, identifying specific design factors that address needs in each of the…

Shows that multimedia can provide Korean high school students with an interesting environment for learning English and can motivate them to study English more readily. Motivation is linked to higher grades on an English test. (Author/VWL)

Examines the learning motivation and strategies of first-year university students of Japanese in relation to the learning of kanji via computer-assisted language learning (CALL). Findings indicate that instrumental motivation was a dominant factor; metacognitive strategies and a positive attitude toward the CALL program are also influential…

Describes the affective factors involved in the academic progress and achievement of newly-arrived bilingual twins in a secondary school in London. Finds that different personality traits and self-perceptions resulted in the development of their divergent personal learning styles, and that task interest, appropriate learning strategies, and…

Focuses on ways to foster and access creativity in engineering students. Presents three case studies that demonstrate the importance of establishing freedom in the learning process as well as providing motivation be it extrinsic or intrinsic. Describes how to monitor the level of success in fostering creativity in students. (Author/PVD)

Relationships between parental report of children's peer play at home and indicators of children's school readiness were examined. Behavior ratings and observational data were collected for preschool children from an urban Head Start program. Play competencies exhibited in the home environment were significantly associated with prosocial behavior…

Discusses a new approach to teaching English for special purposes to nursing students in Cuba that has been successful in increasing students' motivation to learn English. (Author/VWL)

Outlines a stock market activity that has helped English for specific purposes students in business school learn technical vocabulary. The objective is to minimize confusion by using visuals with written and spoken words, and to find effective ways of promoting learning and generating motivation. (Author/VWL)

Discusses a survey of more than 2,000 students from remedial and college-level reading and English classes that measured three key areas: self-concept, value, and reading strategies. Finds that: (1) developmental students were lacking in reading self-concept and valued reading less; (2) first-time students valued reading less than experienced…

Although training programs are an important component in most companies' diversity initiatives, little theoretical guidance is available for their implementation. This article proposes a model based on the theory of planned behavior, which addresses the roles of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in motivation to learn…

Mastery motivation is an internal drive to master a skill, behavior, outcome, or goal. It has been called persistence, "stick-to-it-iveness" (McCall, 1995), goal-directedness, determination, and tenacity. Mastery motivation is expected to foster development as the child is motivated to learn something new. Parents and other caregivers play an…

This study uses the foreign language classroom to examine students' beliefs about learning, perceptions of goal attainment, and motivation to continue language study. Survey and interview results indicated students' attributions for success and failure and their expectations for certain subjects' learnability played a role in the relationship…

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that contribute to individual differences in the school performance of 2nd-grade children born to adolescent mothers. The sample of this study was 90 low-income adolescent mothers and their children. Data were collected from the adolescent mothers and their first-born children, now in 2nd grade,…