Subjective discussion of specific ways in which school psychologists should take initiative in policy change, facility improvement--whatever is necessary to create more relevant learning climates. (CJ)

Translation can be useful in teaching advanced students to make decisions about structure, assess the communicative consequences of those decisions, assess perceptions of language contrasts, and increase feelings for communicative appropriateness. Two methods are suggested: word-for-word or "spoof" translation, and back translation. (Author/MSE)

Discusses several research studies which show that what teachers expect of their pupils is usually what they get from them. (JOW)

Recounts how a teacher used herself as a model to motivate black students to speak standard English. (JL)

Programs of human resource management should be developed for academic medicine but will arrive only when faculty perceive the need and when it is linked to the reward system. Medical teaching evaluation is relatively new and there is little continuing research, and faculty must actively seek out the available materials. (Author/MSE)

A recommended class activity is a simple gift exchange. Vocabulary, including a wide range of options, holiday terms, and idioms, is introduced at the beginning of class. Partners are assigned, exchange takes place, and thank-you notes may be written. Student enthusiasm and attention are often by-products. (MSE)

Describes a survey instrument developed to study the behavioral characteristics of gifted and talented foreign language learners. The survey was sent to selected teachers of French, German, and Spanish to determine how they perceived the characteristics of these students. The lists of characteristics obtained were rank-ordered by knowledgeable…

Reviews the literature pertaining to the relationship between textbook illustrations and reading comprehension in elementary school students and finds that the effects of the relationship have not been clearly established. Poses questions for future research. (FL)

Interpreting the ideas of Jurgen Habermas, the nature of three generic domains of adult learning is posited, each with its own interpretive categories, ways of determining which knowledge claims are warranted, methods of inquiry as well as its own learning goals, learning needs and modes of educational intervention. (CT)

Examined relationship between field dependence/independence and motivational factors in second language (French) learning for 414 Ontario (Canada) university undergraduates. Implied the relationship between degree of psychological differentiation and the second language acquisition task is multifactorial in nature. Suggested extreme field…

In examining the interest in adult education among persons with little formal education, researchers found a correlation existed between passivity and lack of satisfaction in the work situation and low motivation for adult education. Educational interest was related to leisure habits that already consisted of highly organized activities. (SK)

The author categorizes the stages and skills of independent inquiry: the motivation to inquire; skills essential to setting up an inquiry; and modes of concluding an inquiry or verifying a hypothesis. He draws curriculum implications for developing independent learners. (SJL)

Low motivation to study abstract theoretical material and lack of background in mathematics are two problems encountered by students learning electronics. To combat these problems a systems approach to learning is suggested for the study of electrical circuits and devices. (Author/TG)

Notes that the new trend in business toward informal learning programs is meeting with success. Suggests alternatives to formalized training and means of implementing these learning techniques. (TA)

Motivation in language teaching and learning is discussed. The relationship between the individual and the school or institution and its effects on learning motivation are noted. Teacher motivation depends on pay, hours worked, environment; learners' motivation is affected by incentives, assessment of language learning procedures and experiences…