The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent and some of the characteristics of learning by high school drop-outs. Subjects were 70 men and 71 women who were resident in the Borough of North York. (Author)

In this interview, James Block explains the model of mastery learning, developed by himself and B. Bloom, according to which individual differences in academic ability are lessened by appropriate teaching methods. (GW)

This article discusses different sources of motivation in language learning, and the categories of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Given this variety, the language teacher cannot accept full responsibility for student motivation, but must take on a major portion of the task. (CHK)

The in-service teacher workshop described here offers solid, practical training at your pace. No need to stay after school, no need to pay a fee. Just read Instructor's professors-in-print each month, carry out the assignments at the end of each article, and send them to the authors for review. (Editor/RK)

Describes one of the more successful means of enhancing the grading procedure, i.e, the Personalized Achievement Reporting program, which specifies learning activities, experiences, achievements, and degree of student progress through written statements rather than artificial or contrived symbols of learning. (Author/RK)

Synthesizes the conclusions drawn from a literature review on principles for motivating students to learn. Outlines numerous pointers for creating essential learning preconditions and for motivating, including maintaining high expectations, supplying extrinsic incentives, and capitalizing on students' intrinsic motivation. Provides strategies for…

Good grades on a report card do not necessarily mean the material has been comprehended. This article examines the relative worth of grades; extra credit assignments; categorizing students into A, B, or C boxes; and the role of parental pressures for higher grades. Grading systems should be subordinate to true learning motivation. (MLH)

The study examined effects of task-sequencing variables on the academic performance of an 8-year-old severe stroke victim. Previously acquired (maintenance) task trials were systematically interspersed among new (acquisition) task trials. Results showed improvements in both academic responding and subjective ratings of motivation in spelling,…

Starting with H.W. Seliger's distinction between second language learning strategies (abstract cognitive functions used to acquire knowledge) and learning tactics (activities learner uses to acquire language), presents the most important tactics and comments on which learner characteristics and teaching methods take advantage of them. Tactics…

The Academic Team (A Team) program at Plano (Texas) Senior High School provides academic enrichment for talented students in grades 9-12. Outstanding A Team students are recognized with trophies and scholarships. The school district and the high school have found the program an excellent means of encouraging academic achievement. (MCG)

Describes a visit made to Sweden to ascertain why Swedish citizens speak such excellent English. Motivation was a key factor. Describes observations of the methods of teaching English as a second language in Swedish schools. Makes recommendations for foreign language teaching in Great Britain based on these observations. (SED)

The desire to learn among adults in Pakistan is there, but it needs to be stimulated. How this can be achieved is the subject of this article. (Author)

Among the reasons for the present investigation were the attempt to determine the relationship among the different measures of each personality characteristic which has been hypothesized as important and to determine the relationships among the different personality characteristics. (Author/RK)

Discusses some of the relevant research and concludes that if reading is considered as one avenue of learning then other modes should be given equal status. (TO)