Cognitive and affective components of learning in family life education can occur in a supportive atmosphere which invites risk-taking from students and focuses on integrating components during the learning process. Presented at the annual meeting of the National Council on Family Relations, Education Section, October 14, 1977. (Author/BEF)

A week-by-week readiness program for preschool and early primary children. (Editor)

Discusses the role of competition in music education, proposing the use of objective criteria in analyzing competition. Examines myths concerning competition, and compares competitive learning to cooperative learning. Concludes that competition curtails student achievement and suggests alternative activities. (RW)

Some of the cognitive and affective factors influencing second language reading comprehension are reviewed, and an instructional technique designed to both guide the reading process and develop comprehension at several levels is described. Teachers are urged to develop process-oriented reading comprehension activities in collaboration with…

This article reports the results of a preliminary study that applied a randomized posttest-only design to evaluate the effectiveness of a literacy curriculum that incorporated explicit opportunities for Spanish-speaking Head Start preschool children (N = 76) to develop writing abilities in English. The study also addressed English language…

This report compares two approaches to incentive motivation in 82 college juniors and seniors, average age 21 years. One method uses will as a motivator; the other method focuses on skill or effective strategy use for enhancing recall and understanding of a particular body of information. In the first approach, a semiweekly test or spotquiz was…

This monograph examines factors associated with adults' nonparticipation in organized learning. A deterrent to participation is defined as a reason contributing to an adult's decision not to engage in learning activities. First, existing models and theories that attempt to explain participation behavior are described. These include three recent…

Because low-achieving second-grade students were not motivated to acquire math skills, a teacher employed at a large, inner-city elementary school with a black student population implemented a practicum aiming to improve acquisition of mathematics skills. Major causes of the problem were the lack of manipulative materials for concept development,…

Keeping a journal of classroom experiences can help students express their understandings of the concepts they learn in school and how the lessons relate to their own lives. An eight-item reference list is provided. (Author)

Motivating music students to practice is a perennial concern for teachers and parents. Behavioral contracts, in which the teacher or parent guarantees a certain reward in return for the student completing a designated task, is one solution. How to construct a contract is discussed. A sample contract is included. (RM)

Outlines a year-long program for fifth-grade students who feel shy and insecure about writing and/or who make gross spelling errors. Emphasis is on remedial spelling activities. (RH)

Defining students' different styles of learning and their study patterns enables a teacher to guide them into using their own methods effectively; this is particularly important in teaching inner-city students. (JD)

Language games, adapted to the age of the learners, are seen as a powerful means of motivation. Several such games are described; language phenomena contained therein are discussed. Finally, some available collections of language games are listed. (IFS/WGA)

The article raises concerns about educational approaches which rely heavily on extrinsic reinforcers and offers instructional guidelines to promote intrinsic motivation in children with learning problems. Stressed is the importance of mediational dynamics between teacher and student in the learning process. (DB)

Discusses how to motivate students to learn history. Suggests using primary sources, relating subject matter to what students already know, and avoiding lectures whenever possible. Recommends formulating goals in advance, preparing reading lists, preparing questions for students, and assigning individual projects. Argues that such a course will…