The research base on cooperative learning was examined for its applicability to academically talented students. Common types of cooperative learning are described with highlights of the model characteristics as they apply to academically talented students. The models include: Teams-Games-Tournament (TGT); Student Teams Achievement Divisions…

Issues and challenges in giving students a voice in the educational process, or motivating them through empowerment, are examined in this monograph. Students whose input is solicited feel a greater sense of ownership with the educational process, which increases their engagement and in turn facilitates school effectiveness. Following an…

The conventional psycholinguistic views of a strictly cognitive nature are reductive with respect to the complexity of the learning process. In language learning, motivation is viewed variously: (1) as a co-essential and equally powerful factor with linguistic aptitude and personality traits; (2) as arising from interaction between organism and…

Some research findings show that vocational education courses deter teenagers from dropping out of high school. Traits identified in potential dropouts by the research include being from a poverty-level home, having a lower intelligence score, and having a lower grade point average. These traits are shared with students in vocational education…

This synthesis offers a descriptive inventory of research studies of cooperative learning at the secondary level. While cooperative learning techniques vary, they all share an interest in finding an alternative to "frontal teaching"--the teacher instructing the whole class or individual seatwork by students. Cooperative methods allow…

This paper describes conceptualization and research on student motivation to learn, which is treated as the ideal motivational state for students in classroom settings and defined as the tendency of students to engage in academic activities with the intention of trying to get the intended academic benefits (knowledge and skills). Student…

Literature on the subject of the relationship between class size and student achievement is briefly reviewed. It is pointed out that while researchers often come to the conclusion that class size has small impact on student achievement, teachers feel that a class of under 20 students permits better and wider learning. The financing of smaller…

This collection contains the 30 papers presented at the 1979 Reading Center Conference on content area reading held at West Virginia University. The papers are presented under the following topics: aiding reading/thinking skills, reading in specific content areas, motivating extended reading, meeting student needs, and administering content area…

States that the combination of group rewards (based on group members' individual learning) and peer interaction on learning tasks is necessary to produce learning gains characteristic of effective cooperative learning methods. Discusses research on group contingencies and cooperative learning in the elementary school classroom.(NH)

Assessment programs designed to improve instruction should be based on strong theoretical models of student learning, motivation, and instruction. A taxonomy of learning strategies is provided. (MLW)

Analysis of language research and observation of two language classes suggest that, when teachers devote efforts to promoting students' encounters with and use of natural language, students will have the opportunity not only to learn about language, but also to arrive at proficiency in its use. (CB)

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…

Argues that an understanding of human motivation is an essential component of effective reading instruction. Proposes that teachers use a balance of intrinsic and extrinsic means of motivation to increase student involvement and learning. (FL)

A preview of statistical data from previous studies determined the benefits of positive reinforcement on learning in students from kindergarten through college. Results indicate that differences between reinforced and control groups are greater for girls and for students from special schools and that reinforcement appears to have a strong effect…

Most students applying to colleges are unaware of both the physical and mental potential to improve their educational and career options. A teacher can encourage students to engage in athletic activities, such as tennis, that may provide financial assistance in higher education. (JN)