A two-step procedure is outlined for encouraging student involvement and interest in language learning on the first two days in class. First, the teacher establishes an information flow in English from students to instructor, creating an environment of goodwill. Then communication begins in French as students and instructor introduce themselves.…

Discusses approaches to science projects designed to eliminate negative reactions, improve topic selection and problem identification, and create excitement. These include creating classroom resource centers, bulletin boards, and student committees to help students develop their projects by narrowing broad topics to specific problem statements and…

Discusses how fantasy books can be used in the classroom to provide exercises for the imagination, to allow students to see themselves more clearly, to allow them to escape, and to generate hope. (CRH)

Introduces the nine articles which comprise this document. Describes the focus of the articles as the group aspect of student-student and student-teacher relationships in the classroom context. (Author/DB)

A review of the literature in social sciences instruction which deals with developing student competence and increasing student motivation is presented. Tables identifying four teacher and student behavior models are included. (Author/DB)

Concludes that it seems unfair to refuse to double certain versions of films especially those that might increase the self-concept or identity of blacks, but that it would be unwise and too costly to duplicate indiscriminately all educational productions, assuming that learning would be promoted. (Author/AM)

Dissertation abstracts (N=124) were reviewed to assess recent research concerning the study of factors which have an impact on pupil attitudes toward school subjects. Results suggest teacher attitudes and enthusiasm toward the subject and student related variables such as previous attitudes, parents, and self-concept may have a greater impact.…

Described is an innovative social studies testing procedure which motivates study and learning by developing student ability for independent thinking. The procedure is entitled The Document-based Essay Question (DBQ). Information on developing DBQs is presented and examples are provided. (DB)

Described is an introductory social psychology course which incorporates motivation arousing elements. Findings indicate that the motivation oriented course was perceived by students as equal or superior to large introductory information oriented courses. (Author/DB)

In this theoretical essay the psychological aspects of genetic approach to teaching mathematics (mainly at universities) are discussed. Analysis of the history and modern state of genetic teaching shows that its psychological aspects may be explained using both Vygotskian and Piagetian frameworks. Experience of practice of mathematical education…

Games are motivating instructional resources that provide opportunities to learn and practice map, group work, and communication skills. Using the designs of popular commercial, folk, or media games, teachers can create games for their classroom that support geographic education. Many games can be used by students on their own before and during…

Educators, concerned with disturbing trends in school failure, are arguing for more learner-centered models of schooling. Such a reform effort requires set principles that emphasize the active and reflective nature of learning and learners; 14 such principles are reported here. The immediate goal of this report is to provide a framework that can…

The "Focus on Basics" serial concerns adult Learning and literacy. The eight short articles in this theme issue are all devoted to the topic of "learner motivation": (1) "Power, Literacy, and Motivation" (Greg Hart); (2) "The First Three Weeks: A Critical Time for Motivation" (B. Allan Quigley); (3) "Build Motivation by Building Learner…

This report focuses on secondary schools and a variety of youth projects in eight countries--Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Norway, United Kingdom--so as to provide a better understanding of what motivates youth to learn. The text is based on reports prepared by experts appointed by each participating country, in addition to…

Self-directed learning at work is becoming a major trend in training and organizational development. Referring to theoretical considerations in the domains of motivation and learning in disciplines beyond adult education, the concepts of interest, strategies, control, and evaluation seem appropriate to describe self-directed learning. Constructs…