This paper examines the nature and extent of differences in the learning contexts of ability groups in a first-grade classroom. Observation, interviewing, and analysis of video-taped interaction during group lessons were used to identify major behavioral differences across groups and crucial processes within groups. Findings indicated that less…

Argues that an educational definition of mental retardation has to be sensitive to the motivational self-system and the self-regulatory processes that underpin performance of students with mental retardation. The theory of motivational orientation that explains the differences in students with intrinsic motivation or extrinsic motivation is…

Cites statistics characterizing the growing problems faced by students, such as violence, drug use, declining trust, and cheating. Summarizes the contributions of this issue's articles with regard to the influence of early experience on aspirations, and observes that surveys and interview techniques can enrich understanding of the problems and…

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)

Synthesizes information and research on adult female re-entry students and discusses its institutional implications for educators. Explores adult female learner's motivation for re-entry, problems confronting her, and challenges facing institutions as they attempt to meet her needs. (TE)

An ecological-systems view is presented describing academic underachievement in highly verbal, gifted adolescents. It is argued that a unique pattern of interests, motives, and cognitive styles results in a differential pattern of achievement for these youth. Implications for psychoeducational assessment, pedagogy, and counseling are discussed.…

Explanations for motivational difficulties of students with learning disabilities emphasize student-perceived competence and student-perceived control. Motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic and is enhanced by students' active involvement and ownership of the learning process, by the use of techniques to create and maintain interest, and by the…

This literature review summarizes humor theory as an instructional strategy and provides examples of humor research. Discusses relationships between humor, affect, motivation, information processing, and learner characteristics. Provides six guidelines for incorporating humor in computer-based instruction (CBI) and proposes a research agenda for…

Provides a review of research on the contribution of education to the organization and productivity of a nation's resources. Focuses on what is known about the particular contribution of higher education to U.S. economic growth. Discusses the relationship between earnings and additional schooling. Concludes that increased education probably has…

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 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…

Explores how learning environment dimensions are related to on-task-orientation, and how these relations are mediated by students' perceptions of the meaningfulness of schoolwork. For school psychologists, results seem to imply an increased focus on the learning environment, and particularly on the importance of the social emotional dimensions for…

Examines whether low-income preschool children's peer play interactions relate to learning behaviors and problem behaviors, and differ according to age and gender. Positive interactive play behavior was associated with active engagement in classroom learning activities, whereas disconnection in play related to inattention, passivity, and lack of…

Reviews recent theoretical and empirical literature regarding teachers' uses of the target (TL) and first languages (L1) in second and foreign language classrooms. Explores several issues related to teachers' use of the L1 and the TL in the classroom; exposure to TL input, student motivation, cognitive considerations, code switching, and…

Examines the relations of both family and school contexts on students' academic achievement and explores the mediating effects of students' perceptions of their motivations and academic self-competence. Students' perceptions of parenting style, parental involvement, teaching style, and school atmosphere significantly predicted their school…