Motivation, one of the leading problems in education, is an ongoing issue for teachers. Motivation is important because it highly contributes to achievement. Teachers have to be certain that their students are being motivated in order to develop a positive outcome. This article suggests some strategies to sustain students' classroom motivation.

Teacher-educator and researcher Daniel L. Kohut suggests in "Musical Performance: Learning Theory and Pedagogy" that there are many problems that result from the way music teachers often teach. Most teachers focus on the process, not the goal. The Natural Learning Process that Kohut advocates is the same process that young children use when they…

This document describes a third grade teachers' new twist to get her students' minds motivated for another school year. She purchased some "thinking caps." The purpose of the caps was to help students focus on various academic tasks. The children were thrilled to have a new tool to help them concentrate.

Instructors must be steadfast in their intent to alter conventional transmission models of instruction and to embed reading and writing fully in subject area learning so that avid reading and writing become a natural part of all classroom activity. One instructional model offering engagement of students with material is the constructivist…

Fresh out of college, the author had only a handful of items worthy of displaying, which included some fossils she had collected in her paleontology class. She had binders filled with great science information, but kids want to see "real" science, not paper science. Then it came to her: she could fill the shelves with science artifacts with the…

This article discusses how math skills, teamwork and higher-level thinking come together when students create strategic board games. In this article, the authors provide a glimpse of what it was like to be part of "To the Sun!," a game designed by students in the fifth-grade class at Olive Martin School in Lake Villa, IL. Students combined a math…

Teachers often play a mistaken notion of lecturing their students about the importance of the past rather than allowing students to discover for themselves the significance of past events. In this article, the author talks about the "detective" strategy he used which strengthens the critical thinking and analyzing skills of his students in their…

Fitness testing programs with award systems began in 1958 and proved to be extremely popular. Award programs for students with disabilities are described. The need for award systems for all handicapped students is stressed. (MT)

Discusses the educational reform movement's progress sine the 1983 landmark report "A Nation At Risk." Praises elementary school principals for concentrating on basic education while secondary schools were lowering graduation requirements. Urges sound leadership, student motivation, higher principal salaries, careful teacher evaluation, and strong…

Biographies provide the opportunity for identification, not only with those who are great today but also with those who have lived greatly in the past. Biographies fulfill students' needs for identification with someone who is admirable. Examples of inspiring life stories, sources of such stories, and questions are included. (JD)

Children who read only when they have no choice will not become good readers. One of the simplest ways to motivate children to read at all grade levels is for teachers to read to their classes. In this column, the author suggests some steps that teachers can take to make reading more appealing to their students.

Good teachers are storytellers. They use stories to promote interest in the classroom; to help students understand and remember events, places, people, and ideas; to provide context for teaching abstract concepts and systematic processes such as math and research skills; and to promote understanding of other cultures and people. Storytelling can…

Addresses considerations related to the use of microcomputers in special education (e.g., costs, staff development, and determination of how computers can be used most effectively). Offers examples of successful computer applications. Finds computers especially valuable in helping handicapped students to communicate, in developing self-confidence,…

Listening is relevant in all academic disciplines and in the "curriculum of life." The purpose or reasons for listening depend upon the speaking activity involved--thus listening in a conversation is different from listening to follow directions. The teacher needs to establish clear purposes or objectives for learners in the area of…

Argues that encouraging students to keep a social studies journal as an ongoing commentary on the subject improves understanding, critical thinking, and enjoyment. Suggests that journals can be used (1) as a prelude to a lesson; (2) to bring closure; (3) to extend learning; (4) to establish a teacher-student dialogue; and (5) as a summary. (SG)