This paper calls for a new theory of learner support in distance learning based on recent findings in the fields of learning and motivational psychology. It surveys some current learning motivation theories and proposes that models drawn from the relatively new field of Positive Psychology, such as the "Strengths Approach", together with…

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 and its Reading First provisions are an attempt to close the academic achievement gap between mainstream Americans and American Indian/Alaska Native and other ethnic minority groups who have a history of below average academic achievement. This article gives evidence that despite its laudable goals,…

In this article we investigate what characterizes the language learning motivation of Hungarian English language students in terms of Dornyei and Otto's process model of motivation ("Motivation in Action," 1998). We used a mixed-method research design, in which qualitative interviews conducted with 20 students were supplemented with…

THE PROBLEM: This study investigated students' perceptions of the English Village Program at the Fong Shan Elementary School in Kaohsiung County, Taiwan. The main objectives of this research were to discover the fifth graders' motivation and attitudes toward (a) the simulated theme classrooms, (b) the native English-speaking teacher's instruction,…

Finding teaching models and strategies that benefit learners while incorporating skills students will need in the future, such as using technology, is important. This study examined the problem of whether Webquests, an inquiry-based teaching strategy where much of the information is found online, are a beneficial way to integrate technology into…

This study examines the relationship between the learning motivation and conceptual change of 127 eighth graders, after they have learned the acid, base, and salt concept in a digital learning context, designed according to the dual-situated learning model (DSLM). Two instruments--the students' motivation towards science learning (SMTSL)…

A model that proposed dispositional influences on training-related aspects of motivation was developed. More specifically, the model predicted influences of the Big Five personality variables on motivation to learn and transfer motivation, while controlling for general attitudes toward training. The model was tested empirically, drawing on a…

The study presented here examined the effects of trainees' reactions to skill assessment on their motivation to learn. A model was developed that suggests that two dimensions of trainees' assessment reactions, distributive justice and utility, influence training motivation and overall training effectiveness. The model was tested using a sample of…

Research has established that academic intrinsic motivation, enjoyment of school learning without receipt of external rewards, significantly declines across childhood through adolescence. Math intrinsic motivation evidences the most severe decline compared with other subject areas. This study addresses this developmental decline in math intrinsic…

This paper summarizes the theoretical basis of the relationship between preconceptions and the construct of mental effort in order to identify factors that researchers have shown to influence mental effort, and to suggest an agenda for future research in this area. It begins with a discussion of the theoretical bases of the relationship between…

The army needed a method to train 30,000 medics a year in a ten week course. Their most successful method is a combination of audiovisual techniques, live instruction, and experience training. (AS)

This article is based on the author's recent talk to the Atlanta chapter of the Georgia Association on Aging. (EB)