Why are puppets unique educational resources? How can teachers take advantage of this inexpensive, simple, effective teaching medium? Explores those qualities in puppets which make them so useful for instruction. (Author/RK)

Quickwriting, a method for teaching writing to second language learners, features concentrating on content; not worrying about form; and writing without stopping. The process has the key advantage of aiding invention by separating the creating process from the editing process. Other advantages and some disadvantages of this method are discussed.…

At the beginning of the undergraduate psychology course, students are informed that a comprehensive makeup final will be required of any student who misses any regularly scheduled exam for any reason. The more exams a student misses, the more heavily the comprehensive makeup is weighted. (RM)

The Young Astronaut Program (YAP) has reached 500,000 children in 20,000 classrooms. Schools and community groups sponsor YAP, which provides space-related curricular material to encourage students to study science and math. A contact address is given. (JL)

Children's reasons for adhering to classroom achievement, moral, and conventional norms were collected. Reasons were coded into intrinsic and extrinsic categories. Developmental change and individual consistency in offering of intrinsic reasons across domains was assessed. (PCB)

Use of a checkbook can hook even the most reluctant mathematics students into learning mathematical and problem-solving skills. (CB)

Uses of Apple II microcomputers with special-education students are described. Many such students can overcome handicaps with the computers. Use of word processing, the role of motivation, and individual attention are stressed. (MNS)

Factors which appear to positively affect student motivation are discussed. Sixteen suggestions from research for motivating students are listed, and references are included. (MNS)

By using the curriculum, teaching methods, student evaluation processes, human relations skills, and classroom management techniques in addition to verbal praise and token rewards as sources of reinforcement for student behavior and learning in the individual classroom, principals and teachers can enhance the school's educational environment. (PGD)

Television science programs cover a wide range of science topics, offer a variety of teaching methods, and motivate students. These programs tend to match educational trends, with new programs blending technological advances with speculation to interest students. (DF)

Many American children are lacking in the area of physical fitness due to lack of activity. Suggestions for developing a health and exercise routine to be used in the classroom are offered. (DF)

For homework assignments to be effective, they must serve to develop skills and help students gain a sense of accomplishment. Suggestions for developing interesting, positive homework assignments that use contracts and skill cards are offered. (DF)

The "Great Brain" project motivates elementary school students to participate in educational projects by encouraging inquiry, interaction, and identity. Students use research and creative skills to study and report on a topic, interact with parents and peers in developing and presenting the report, and receive wide recognition for their efforts.…

A former gifted pupil shares ideas based on her own experiences in dealing with motivation, coping with failure, making learning tasks meaningful, providing opportunities for self-expression, fostering expression in the arts, developing social skills, using grouping strategies, and finding a mentor. (CL)

Once a month, fifth-grade students in an Indianapolis, Indiana, classroom can use tickets earned through good behavior and academic achievement to purchase donated items and baked goods. Students are in charge of organizing the activity, keeping track of student "earnings," and managing a student "bank." (PGD)