This paper focuses on the role of the school leader as motivator. In particular, attention is given to what those in school leadership roles can do to enhance the personal investment of students in learning. A conceptual model is outlined which suggests that school leaders affect not only the degree, but also the quality of student motivation by…

The less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) have entered mainstream foreign language teaching only in the last decade. The LCTLs include all languages other than French, German, and Spanish and can be divided into several subgroups, including "truly foreign languages" (TFLs) that are not cognate to English. While TFLs have never been very visible…

A review of literature focuses on the literacy acquisition process of deaf children who acquire American Sign Language (ASL) as a first language and written English as a second language. Literacy in this context is defined broadly to include the context and culture in which reading and writing occur, referring to the strong connection between…

Literacy education experience shows that literacy is not easily disseminated to adults and that the skills of newly literate people are notable. Dropout, mastery, and retention rates are about 50 percent at each stage, so the effectiveness rate of some projects may only be 12-15 percent. To find causes for the low effectiveness of literacy…

The future of New Mexico, which has a unique diverse minority population (Hispanics, Blacks, and Native Americans), is linked with how well the educational systems serve the special needs of these groups. However, these groups are the least educationally prepared to function meaningfully in and to contribute to both the contemporary society and…

This paper briefly characterizes schooling in America in broad terms, describes what is known about the relationship between teacher behavior and student behavior, and explains why certain classroom characteristics are related to student achievement. The paper begins with a description, of classroom practices in American schools, based in part…

Teachers and teacher educators seem to be little aware of some major concepts about instruction that provide important insights into the central requirements for learning. A common misconception is that motivation has to do with wanting or desiring. It is instead attention to stimuli that is influenced by two powerful agents--(1) suspense,…

A pilot study was conducted to determine effective methods for testing students' learning processes. The theoretical framework within which learning processes were investigated is based on the B-P-E paradigm. This states that "Behavior (B) is a function of the Person (P) and the Environment (E)". After reviewing research done in related…

Self-regulated learning combines cognitive skill and motivation enabling handicapped students to select challenging tasks, apply effective learning strategies, and measure success against personal standards. Research on the development of specific techniques such as informed strategy training, self-control training, conditional knowledge,…

Examines questions typically asked about the effectiveness of computer-based reading instruction, suggesting that these questions must be refined to provide meaningful insight into the issues involved. Describes several critical problems with existing research and presents overviews of research on the effects of computer-based instruction on…

Discusses a study by Theodore R. Sizer, and evaluates it in two vital areas: aims and curriculum proposals. Compares the study to two earlier Carnegie reports that shaped educational reform. (NKA)

Surveys recent literature on computer programing focusing on psychological studies of the programing task and selected instructional issues related to precollege programing. The cognitive demands and outcomes of programing, the influence of instruction on learning, and individual differences in outcomes of programing are specifically addressed.…

Two participants in a delegation of computer professionals who observed computer education in China's primary and middle schools report on the status of computer equipment and books; the development of instructional technology; the teaching profession; and the role of computer centers and institutes in computer literacy and teacher training. (43…

Discusses the psychological context of aesthetic literacy in relation to E. D. Hirsch's ideas on cultural literacy. Argues adults should not interpret artworks for children and notes the implications for curriculum planners. Provides examples of childrens' understanding of art works. Maintains that any curriculum is the interaction of content and…

Studies on motivational or attitudinal differences between women and men have frequently failed to explain observable differences in achievement, probably because they have not considered personal and contextual characteristics of college student samples. Life stage analysis is applied to studies of achievement and male-female relationships. (SLD)