Investigates the effects of medium of instruction and ability grouping (banding) of schools on students' learning and achievement orientation. The results showed that students studying in upper band schools (i.e., low-ability schools) used fewer strategies in learning, had lower self-efficacy, higher surface goal and lower attainment scores than…

Among theories of student departure from college, interactional theories--that attrition is a result of interaction between attributes of students and the institutional environment--are currently popular. Of particular interest to continuing educators is the direct effect of absenteeism and academic advising on dropout. (SK)

Six-month case studies of five physicians who attended an arrhythmia conference found that changes in their job performance were (1) incremental (70 percent), which usually required learning; (2) structural (17 percent), requiring redirections of life or practice; and (3) accommodational (13 percent), resulting from regulations. (SK)

Investigates the role of social interaction in the literacy learning of three- and four-year-olds. Finds that children's self-selected literacy activities are rich contexts for literacy learning, and that social interaction provides context and motivation for literacy learning, and influences the kinds of literacy strategies children internalize…

The article raises concerns about educational approaches which rely heavily on extrinsic reinforcers and offers instructional guidelines to promote intrinsic motivation in children with learning problems. Stressed is the importance of mediational dynamics between teacher and student in the learning process. (DB)

Discusses variables affecting the choice of learning strategies used by university foreign-language students (n=1,200). Research questions address the kind of strategies university foreign-language students report using and what variables influence the use of these strategies. (64 references) (Author/OD)

Until students have a much clearer idea of what a good education is and how it can be gained from what they are asked to do in school, they will not work hard. Beginning slowly, teachers must begin to demand higher quality work of their students. (MSE)

When it became apparent that change was necessary to alter Hatboro Horsham High School's (Pennsylvania) downward trend in grades and SAT scores, the school adopted "intensive scheduling," which is built on the 85-minute, 5-period day. Intensive scheduling proved very successful, and the school's statistics have improved greatly. (KDP)

Explains how modern programming systems empower beginning college students taking computer literacy courses; provides suggestions for designing courses and on the selection of appropriate software; and gives examples of course content and of approaches to course development using the Visual Basic programming environment. (22 references) (LRW)

Comparison of 40 children with Down's syndrome and typically developing children (matched for mental age) found that the children with Down's syndrome appeared less engaged in a task, as indicated by shorter sequences of goal directed behavior and higher rates of toy rejection. They also displayed less causality pleasure with object exploration…

In this interview, concern is expressed regarding the low number of students being served in gifted programs. Giftedness is defined in terms of above average ability, creativity, and task commitment. The parents' role in stimulating their children's creativity and intelligence is discussed, as are ability grouping versus tracking, and curriculum…

A survey of 89 on-campus and 50 teleconferencing students (71 percent response) showed that 83 percent of externals were over 19 and 94 percent of internals were 18 or less. External students had higher scores for intrinsic motivation, interrelating ideas, and deep approach; internal students for fear of failure, surface approach, achievement…

Discusses how to motivate students to learn history. Suggests using primary sources, relating subject matter to what students already know, and avoiding lectures whenever possible. Recommends formulating goals in advance, preparing reading lists, preparing questions for students, and assigning individual projects. Argues that such a course will…

An investigation of the effects of integrative and instrumental motivation on the learning of French/English vocabulary demonstrated that both types of motivation facilitated learning, and that computer administration of an attitude/motivation test battery did not detract from the internal consistency reliability of the subscales. (19 references)…

Adults participating in an Ulpan method Welsh program were surveyed to determine their motivation for learning Welsh and for choosing an intensive course. Integration was found to be the major motivating factor for studying Welsh and the students believed that an immersion setting would result in superior language learning. (JL)