This document is one of eight reports prepared to support the development of a new learning system, a development effort that is the first step in a major initiative undertaken by the Stupski Foundation. This report synthesizes recent research and theoretical literature on using best practices related to formative assessment to support urban…

The paper examines several common definitions of giftedness and talent, with particular emphasis on the models proposed by J. Renzulli and S. Cohn. A differentiation between giftedness and talent is suggested, and several factors which can act as catalysts for the actualization of giftedness in specific talents are discussed, particularly…

Reviews research on the link between extracurricular activities and student engagement. Finds that extracurricular activities appeal to student interests, encourage peer interaction, prompt cooperation, build student-adult relationships, provide structure and challenge, and draw students--especially minorities and women--to science. (PKP)

The four main influences on an adolescent's motivation for learning are parental influences, peer influences, community influence, and self-concept. Establishing motivation in physical education is a matter of correct diagnosis of student capabilities and provision of appropriate options in the curriculum by the physical education teacher. (MT)

Outlines investigations revealing that the typical classroom is filled with teaching practices that kill intrinsic motivation and creativity. Reviews research designed to immunize students against the negative effects of these damaging classroom elements. (SLD)

Discusses student motivation as an academic enabler for school success. Includes a discussion of four key components of student motivation including academic self-efficacy, attributions, intrinsic motivation, and achievement goals. Research on each of these four components is described, and research relating these four components to academic…

Research studies on school success often focus on the impact of discrete elements such as race, culture, ethnicity, gender, language, or school location on high achievement. The condition of poverty, however, may be the most important of all student differences in relation to high achievement; although not all schools have racial diversity, nearly…

This critical literature examines the methodology of teaching and learning developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. Maria Montessori always believed that children are a unique being and they always surprise us with their unseen capabilities. In order to fully develop those unseen capabilities, we must give them freedom of choice to explore their…

This article reviews a specific body of writing intervention research, that of component analyses of cognitive strategy instruction. One rationale for examining the effects of individual components comes from meta-analyses, which indicate powerful intervention outcomes for complex strategies, though it is frequently unclear which component has the…

Provides support, drawn from classroom experience and research, for the use of drama in the reading class. (ARH)

Many young people consider watching television as repetitive and unchallenging as going to school. Putting children both behind and in front of the TV camera can tap creative energies and spark the desire to learn. Suggestions for school-based video production programs are offered. (PGD)

Six of the most recently published textbooks on motivation are reviewed on their content, organization, evaluation, and pedagogical characteristics. Comments are based on the premise that undergraduate psychological theory texts should emphasize the process and effects of building theory rather than just report results. (BS)

Reviews recent research developments related to the study of interests and goals and their relationship to children's learning. Calls for reconsidering the polarization of situational and individual interest, extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, and performance and mastery goals. Discusses the multidimensional nature of motivational forces. (SLD)

From a literature review, the following principles for facilitating adult learning in continuing education were derived: (1) promote positive relationships; (2) gain learners' attention; (3) ensure that content is relevant; (4) provide support and challenge; and (5) ensure learner satisfaction. (Contains 55 references.) (SK)

Constructivist and conceptual change perspectives on learning have given rise to a number of models of constructivist classroom teaching. Motivation has been recognized as an important factor in the construction of knowledge and the process of conceptual change, so one could expect that motivation strategies would be integral components of…