Explores, in two independent replications one year apart, the possiblility that (a) the actions of three-year-old children are guided and accompanied by self-evaluations and withdrawal, (b) that self-evaluations and withdrawal have a motivational function for persistence, and (c) that they are influenced by the mother's behavior when interacting…

Defines and discusses the operating principles of the Explorative-Creative Way of language teaching, an approach in which the teacher encourages the students to investigate the target language and to tap the linguistic resources available to them in order to produce a maximum number of new meaningful utterances. (SED)

This study investigated a causal model of second language learning, in particular, three situation-specific constructs: language class discomfort, language class risktaking, and language class sociability. Findings indicate that discomfort negatively predicted risktaking and sociability, risktaking positively predicted participation, and…

Considers the impact of the lack of computer literacy and computer-assisted instruction on the socially and economically disadvantaged in terms of basic living skills as well as vocational and educational opportunities, and makes four recommendations for ensuring that all segments of society will share equally in the benefits of computer…

Reviews author's opinions of the evaluation process as applied to microcomputer applications in elementary and secondary classrooms and discusses additional specific evaluation issues that need to be considered, i.e., motivational value, computer simulations, and social interaction among students and teachers and students and peers. (23…

Examines advantages of using videogame format for training, including practicality, relatively inexpensive hardware, ability to use multi-purpose software modules, motivational advantages of increased student interest and instructional effectiveness, and instructional features such as the adaptive interactive nature of videogames. An example of a…

Political, attitudinal, and administrative problems of teaching compulsory foreign languages in Colombia are described and discussed from the point of view of a French teacher in a system characterized by confusion and lack of student interest. (MSE)

Describes a program to improve the reading motivation of elementary school students that involved the school, a university, and the community. (FL)

Semistructured interviews in 11 schools questioning headteachers about their concerns about modern language teaching policy provided the following: Quality of teaching crucial; continuance of one foreign language rather than another is attributed to ability, industry, and enthusiasm of teacher. Emphasizes that young entrants to the teaching…

Since polysemy narrows down the semantic autonomy of the isolated word and increases the importance of the surrounding context, teaching children this concept is critical in order to prevent ambiguity and confusion. Concerning socially disadvantaged children, it is particularly essential to convey the idea that one phenomenon can have different…

For children with poor vocabulary development, reading is intimidating rather than exciting. That is why elementary and middle school teachers need this activity-filled guidebook--to improve students' independent word learning skills and strengthen their comprehension so they will tackle their schoolwork with confidence. Teachers will start by…

This study examined the role of motivational factors on the academic achievement of children in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. Four motivational factors were assessed: the child's motivational attributions, motivational goal orientation, self-perception, and mastery-oriented behaviors in the classroom. Mastery-oriented behaviors include being…

This is a case study of motivation to learn Arabic as a foreign language at the university level in the United States. Three students enrolled in second year Arabic were the participants. Data about each participant were collected through observation of weekly group conversations, and analysis of grade records for the whole semester during which…

One prime consideration in facilities design is physical environment. Author contends that an equal consideration must be the type of instruction that is to take place. Unless the two considerations are integrated, the resulting structure will fall far short of its ultimate potential. (Author)

Discusses the format and adaptability of the intensive language course for various instructional levels. (RS)