Discusses current literature dealing with the pedagogical implications of the ACTFL Provisional Proficiency Guidelines. The argument that grammatical accuracy needs to be stressed from the beginning of instruction is reviewed in the light of second language acquisition research, and it is suggested that such emphasis on grammatical correctness is…

Online learning has been hailed as a huge step forward for education. Academia is increasingly offering Internet-based distance courses because they allow "anywhere, anytime" learning and access to a wider pool of students. Firms and organizations like it for training employees because it permits consistency and repeatability in training…

The study of the role of students' interest in their learning has seen a resurgence in the past 20 years. This chapter examines the ways in which adolescents' interests develop, differ from those of younger children, and contribute to their developing sense of self. The chapter helps to explain why many adolescents lack academic interests and how…

Reviews empirical and theoretical writings showing how visual arts affect: growth of perception and awareness through use of the senses; clarification of styles of thought and their effect on personal expression; inventiveness and general problem-solving ability; feelings of confidence and self-worth; and general learning motivation and success.…

A review of research on obstacles to participation in adult education in Finland reveals that the chief hindrances are attitudes toward learning, time, geographic location, and family and work situations. The effects of these hindrances upon participants and nonparticipants vary according to employment status, age, and sex. (SK)

This review of the literature on tuition assistance programs reveals that many companies sponsor adult learning programs, either as a training tool or a fringe benefit, but few employees take advantage of the opportunities. (SK)

Studies the research and other literature on "special care" children and its implications for practice. Concentrates on studies concerning the most severely handicapped children, but also makes use of work on children less severely handicapped, where there are clear possible ways of applying the work to the most severely handicapped. (Author/CT)

Provides an overview of recent advances in research on motivation to learn a foreign or second language (L2) and to create the theoretical context of the articles contained in this special issue of the journal. (Author/VWL)

Describes a study that determined the effect of two types of instructional media--interactive video and print--and learner gender on attitudes toward instruction. The use of role models with unemployed adults in an employment skills program is discussed; and the use of the Instructional Materials Motivation Scale is described. (32 references) (LRW)

Reviews research conducted on adult populations dealing with correlates or predictors of proficiency in a second language. Four classes of individual difference variables are considered, including (1) attitudes and motivation; (2) language aptitude and intelligence; (3) language learning strategies; and (4) personality variables. (83 references)…

States that faculty often attribute developmental students' academic difficulties to poor motivation. Investigates motivational differences between 60 developmental students and 74 regular-admission students enrolled in either a community college or a residential university. Results of t-test on motivational levels measured by the self-report…

Reviews the research on nontraditional (adult) college students. Discusses the recent growth of this student population, adult student characteristics and life situations, learning motivation and achievement of adult students, adult students' preferences in the classroom, and principles of andragogy. Contains 61 references. (SV)

Reviews and synthesizes a number of motivational models, issues, and strategies, showing their interrelationship, relevance to higher education, and strongly similar conceptual themes and terminology. The models' consistency suggests that inclusion in a coherent community raises awareness and enhances positive attitudes; what emerges is a…

Building awareness of the self as learner is central to learning. Reflecting on past experiences helps individuals elucidate undetected characteristics of themselves as learners. Active learners are more likely to experiment with new learning strategies and take risks. Because of their inquiring dispositions, they self-monitor and self-evaluate…

The pamphlet reviews research on creativity and applies it to the learning process. After discussing the definition and measurement of creativity, the components of creative performance are outlined, including domain-relevant skills, creativity-relevant skills, and intrinsic task motivation. Factors which destroy students' creativity are noted,…