This project was designed to develop and validate a communication package on the use of incentives in education. The package, which is directed toward elementary and middle school teachers and administrators contains discussions of the following: theoretical rationales underlying the use of incentives; types of incentives; target populations for…

An instrument to measure attitude toward the learning of French as a second language (ALFS) was developed. Instruments already developed to measure motivational intensity and orientations (instrumental and integrative) were modified to fit the local situation. The experimental subjects were 100 students from grades 7 and 8. Twenty-five students…

Fifty-two college students, enrolled in an introductory psychology course, served as subjects for this study, the purposes of which were: (1) to determine whether supplying subjects with a list of behavioral objectives causes them to focus their learning efforts on the specified behaviors to the extent that attention to non-specified behaviors is…

This paper describes recent research on causal attribution (ways people construe the events in their lives) and how knowledge of this psychological phenomena can be used to aid students in developing attributional processes that will enhance motivational factors and have positive effects on academic achievement. Four specific suggestions are made…

A description of four research strategies which are different from the commonly used between-groups design: the sub-group method, the regression or correlation method, the case study method and the ethnography method. Two studies carried out in Montreal using the regression method are discussed. (AMH)

Elementary education majors might be better able to guide children in self-directed learning if they are exposed to such an experience in their formal training. A reading methods course stressing self-directed learning is described and a bibliography is provided. (JMD)

Pressure for competency based teaching and the need for models of teacher effectiveness for teacher education prompted this research on the influences on cognitive and affective learning. The results indicate that teacher personality is an influence and that during the elementary years the affective domain is more important than the cognitive.…

To ascertain the specific determinants that should be considered when instituting continuing nursing education programs, a survey of nurses was conducted. Based on 425 responses, seven determinants were identified, including the need to do prestigious work, interest in increasing one's knowledge base, and special needs related to the employing…

Discusses a new approach for the effective use of mixed ability teaching. (Editor/RK)

Presents a model which provides a theoretical framework for conducting research regarding the determinants of a professional's intention to participate in continuing education. The framework's three components are the professional's (1) attitude toward participation, (2) perception about what significant others think about his or her…

While raising the SAT scores of students is a worthy goal, it is important not to lose sight of the need for teachers to develop their own professional knowledge, so they may broaden the vision of pupils and give them an understanding of the importance of human interaction in the world beyond the classroom. (JD)

Presents three broad areas--writing anxiety, motivation, and beliefs--that seem to be ripe for study in terms of affect, and suggests that the constructivist views refined by George Mandler could be helpful to drive such research. (NH)

Reprint of Corey's classic satire written in the first person of a student who is discussing his overview of his educational experiences in elementary school. From a seventh grader's perspective, the article speaks sensitively and clearly to the dynamics underpinning the dichotomy between a student operating within a rigid academic structure and…

Discusses the impact of planning on classroom environment, students, motivation, and learning by studying existing research as well as personal experiences and observations. Concludes that effective motivation efforts result in learners spending more time "on task," which should lead to higher levels of achievement. (MM)

Form and function of reinforcement is discussed with attention to the focus for feedback. Case studies of five junior high schools provide data and field notes for a tentative analysis of the determinants of reinforcement including organizational factors and types of computer assisted instruction applications. (Author/MBR)