This book highlights the importance of design in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) by proposing data-driven design and assessment. It addresses data-driven design, which focuses on the processing of data and on improving design quality based on analysis results, in three main sections. The first section explains how to design…

Assessment can accomplish so much more than assigning a grade! It can deepen the bonds of trust and shared commitment between teacher and student--and among students--helping the class see that when it comes to mastering content, they're all in it together. With this 8-page durable guide that is part of our Curiosity Works® series, teachers can…

Understanding the factors that encourage young people to become active agents in their own learning is critical. Positive psychology is one lens that can be used to investigate the factors that facilitate a student's sense of agency and active school engagement. In the second edition of this groundbreaking handbook, the editors draw together the…

For more than two decades, the concept of student engagement has grown from simple attention in class to a construct comprised of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components that embody and further develop motivation for learning. Similarly, the goals of student engagement have evolved from dropout prevention to improved outcomes for lifelong…

Discusses attitude and motivation as macro aspects of second-language learning and empathy and personality as the micro level. Believes learner's attitude, motivation, and personality are as important as intelligence but have nothing to do with capacity to learn. (Author/BK)

Defines the concept of the learning contract, describes its purposes, and offers a rationale for its use. Typical components and how they might be negotiated are discussed as well as contract implementation and some advantages and cautions to be considered when using this approach. A checklist and 12 references are included. (MBR)

This manual adapts the pedagogy used on the playing field, the studio, and the stage to the classroom. This method, called "Pep Talk," encourages teachers to: (1) create a need to know; (2) challenge students to know; (3) show how to know; (4) apply know-how; and (5) know how to inspire cooperation. Pep talk is the method coaches use when they…

Discusses the concept of automaticity in the learning process. The mastery of skills depends on the individual's ability to perform it unconsciously with speed and accuracy while consciously carrying on other brain functions. (MD)

Presents five high school teachers' ideas about how to create a desirable environment for their students' learning in English classrooms. (SG)

Parents are offered six suggestions, based on research, that can help produce successful readers and learners. (IAH)

Discusses the failure of students with learning disabilities to complete their homework assignments, lists criteria for planning assignments to motivate secondary students, and offers suggestions on procedures and outcomes for inviting students to participate in the assignment completion process. An Assignment Idea Chart is provided. (CR)

This synthesis derived from literature on effective teaching and learning motivation consolidates the current and best knowledge available for post-secondary educators interested in instructional improvement. It presents ten key motivating principles which graduate teaching assistants and other educators can use to inform their instructional…

Provides a checklist useful to teachers purchasing programs or wishing to create their own programs, suggesting that creating and evaluating programs on the precepts of goal setting, curiosity, and fantasy should ensure a good return on the software production/purchasing dollar. (MP)

Describes potential role of flow experiences in motivating students to learn. Discusses the characteristics of flow: goals are clear, feedback is immediate, skills match challenges, concentration is deep, problems are forgotten, control is possible, self-consciousness disappears, sense of time is altered, and experience becomes autotelic. Then…

The article describes a data-based method by which teachers can differentiate motivational problems from learning problems and increase the academic performance of learners with mildly handicapping conditions. The method involves graphing work attempted and percentage correct, reinforcing work attempted, and analyzing performance data for…