A brief description of autism is presented, along with evidence documenting the educability of autistic children. Some issues relating to autistic children's behavior are described, and teacher and administrator preparation is reviewed.

Presents five themes constructed through a cross-case analysis and synthesis of research and theory based on six articles collected for a two-part mini-themed issue of this journal on learning from students about overcoming motivation problems in literacy learning. Examines what can be learned by looking at different studies that address issues of…

Examines the contribution made by the self-efficacy component of A. Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory to the study of writing in academic settings. Demonstrates that students' confidence in their writing capabilities influence their writing motivation as well as various writing outcomes in school. Offers academic implications and strategies…

Despite the interest that second-language students show for learning a foreign language, many of them do not possess the motivation to conclude successfully their course of foreign language study. In the search of an explanation for this apparent contradiction, the concepts of "interest" and "motivation" must be re-defined. (AP)

The contribution made by the self-efficacy component of A. Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory to the study of self-regulation and motivation in academic settings was studied. Findings demonstrate that particularized measures of self-efficacy that correspond to critical tasks surpass global measures in outcome explanation and prediction. (SLD)

Who are adult learners in higher education, and how do they differ from younger college students? In this chapter, the author presents an overview of adult student enrollment patterns, their participation motivators, and their lifestyle differences from younger college students. (Contains 13 references and 2 tables.) (Author)

The discussion of the role of motivation in study skills instruction examines the behavioral definition of motivation and the notion that a student's previous reinforcement experience influences information gained in the learning process, and gives suggestions to teachers for facilitating a learning environment for low achievers. (MSE)

Reviews the results of a meta analysis (E. Deci, R. Koestner, and R. Ryan, 1999) that shows that tangible extrinsic rewards do have a substantial undermining effect on intrinsic motivation. Discusses results, which support cognitive evaluation theory, in terms of their relevance for educational practice. (SLD)

Examines gender to determine if it is an important variable to consider in understanding the psychosocial development of African American students. Results indicate that gender is an important demographic characteristic, with African American females generally more motivated about being in college than male students. (Contains 24 references and 2…

This article explores the legacy of Paul Pintrich in regard to theory and research in conceptual change. Specifically, this article reviews his vision for a view of conceptual change--a vision that integrated motivation and affect within a broader view of cognition in the classroom (Pintrich, 1999; Pintrich & Sinatra, 2003). This article describes…

Hoping to motivate more California students to finish high school and find future success, the James Irvine Foundation last week announced a new center aimed at expanding work-based learning programs that integrate high-level academics. Called ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career, the new project will seek to provide solutions…

Economic and technological changes are occurring at an accelerating rate in our information and communication-based society, making life-long learning for everyone a necessity. This is particularly the case in the transition period from industrial production to a knowledge and communication-based society. The confluence of technology,…

A literature review investigated the still nebulous area of email's implications for literacy learning by reviewing the existing literature across disciplines on the interests and concerns of literacy researchers and educators about email and the major issues and areas of concerns which are and will be relevant for literacy researchers. The…

The paper reviews research on normally hearing students that has implications for understanding the motivation of hearing-impaired students, suggesting that classroom motivational orientation of students depends upon which orientation is rewarded and encouraged. This paper focuses on three orientations: autonomy, competition, and cooperation.…

Richard E. Snow, working from his new aptitude theory, advocated a multidimensional approach to validating the construct of academic achievement. This report briefly describes Snows recommended approach and then summarizes new evidence from recent studies in terms of three related themes: (1) multidimensionality of science achievement; (2)…