In Japan, pedometers are so popular that most households there now have several. While pedometers have not yet reached this level of popularity in the United States, the media commonly discuss monitoring physical activity with pedometers. This discussion has focused both on its use as a monitoring device and as a means of physical activity…

This article is a follow-up to an article by the author published in the November/December 2003 issue of JOPERD, that examined the research supporting the idea that movement enhances cognitive learning. In this follow-up article the author shows how physical educators can apply this information, in a variety of ways. The following outlines some of…

Some of the areas in which second language acquisition (SLA) theories and research have contributed to language teaching are highlighted. It is noted that while results of SLA research may have contributed to understanding of language learning, insights from such research may have little direct effect on classroom instruction. One explanation is…

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,…

After defining school culture in terms of Organizational Culture, after Maehr and Braskamp (1986), this document presents three related studies, each based on data from a 1989 statewide assessment effort by the University of Illinois and the Illinois State Board of Education. The studies explore the relationship between school culture, motivation,…

A literature review focused on ways for teachers to increase students' motivation. A total of 37 annotations were organized in terms of positive and negative effects of rewards on students' motivation, the issue of whether negative effects of rewards can be manipulated to have a positive effect, and suggestions for the classroom teacher on the use…

There is ample theoretical and experimental evidence showing the positive impact of interest on academic achievement to suggest that college administrators might be well advised to include "expressed interest" in test batteries designed to facilitate the accurate placement of students in particular courses and curricula. J. Dewey was the…

Two concerns in education are student lack of motivation for achieving subject-matter knowledge and skills, and a high incidence of both disruptive and withdrawal behavior. The state of the art with respect to the motivational procedures teachers employ with students is in question. This paper attempts to answer by dealing with these related…

This booklet contains transcripts of two radio programs on the teaching of reading that were coproduced by the National Public Radio and the Institute for Educational Leadership of the George Washington University. The first transcript emphasizes the child's readiness and motivation in learning to read and provides an overview of children's…

Recent research in cognition and motivation offers practical applications to help underachieving students perform more effectively in college. Teachers can help students learn to process information better, encourage them to be active learners and be better organized, assist them in coping with anxiety, and change course structure to change…

The components of Cattell's motivational model are discussed. The Motivation and School Motivation Analysis Tests are described. While Cattell's model gives a valid structure of dynamic influences and methods of quantifying certain aspects of these influences, more refinement is needed before it can be applied effectively by classroom teachers.…

Existing classroom data were used in a preliminary test of a theoretical model of student academic motivation. Expected relationships among verbal ability, internality, self-esteem, and success were found, along with evidence that class grouping may alter them. Problems encountered using existing research for other purposes are described.…

Reviews results of studies concerned with the effects of computer-assisted instruction on secondary students in the areas of academic achievement, motivation, and social development. Discusses a report on such findings which employs the research technique of meta analysis to translate measured research findings into standard units of effect. (JJD)

Guidelines for competitive physical education and recreational therapy programs for multihandicapped children are discussed. Program developers should consider psychological factors, such as conceptualization of competition, anxiety management, and students' motivation and sense of locus of control. Teachers and parents should be trained to act…

Discusses a model for analyzing whether and how a particular school policy will be implemented. The model is based on Schultze's theories concerning policy implementation in decentralized organizations, and incorporates Lortie's and Cusick's ideas concerning student and teacher rewards. (Author/JM)