Using Walt Whitman's poetry, a chief executive officer's speech, and a first-grade teacher's experience, a high school teacher describes the transformation of her understanding of achievement and intelligence. She concludes that having high expectations does not mean the same goals for every student and that students learn best what they learn out…

Following an assessment of the present situation of lifelong learning, particularly in the U.S., a model is presented for the symtematic development of the concept and its implications for society. The basis presented for the model is the definition: ..."any purposeful learning that an individual (actor) engages in throughout the life span,"…

Discusses the concept of automaticity in the learning process. The mastery of skills depends on the individual's ability to perform it unconsciously with speed and accuracy while consciously carrying on other brain functions. (MD)

Suggests how some of the recent theories about adult learning may be incorporated into a practical schema for adult and community education. Considers factors such as the learner's experience, adult life cycles, andragogical vs. pedagogical models, successful instructional strategies, lifelong learning, technogical change, and self-directed…

Piaget's theory of cognitive motivation is examined. Other Piagetian theories are also explored: the distinction between figurative and operative aspects of knowledge, and passivity versus activity. A limited set of implications of Piaget's theory and description of intellectual development for methods of active education are discussed. (CT)

This study attempts to define dropouts, focus on the reasons for dropping out, and suggest some ways to overcome perceived barriers to participation in adult literacy programs. (SK)

Outlines the author's research and interest in the life and sexuality of Clyde Fitch, a successful yet historically obscure American playwright and sometime lover of Oscar Wilde. Explains that Fitch whets the author's hunger for more knowledge because of what he revealed about the reigning feminine ideal that he helped codify and that the author…

Articles on encouraging growth in foreign language study focus on the following: "Encouraging the Growth of Foreign Language Study"; "Creating Intrinsic Motivation to Learn World Languages"; "Encouraging Growth by Changing Perception"; "Making the Link Between Enrollment and Learning Goals: A School District's Impact"; "Foreign Language Education:…

Professionalization, accreditation, and a shift in government support toward work-based skills mean that learner-centered literacy learning is in danger of being subordinated to unsatisfactory purposes in order to retain funding. (SK)

Discusses how teachers can build and sustain students' positive self-images within the classroom. States that emphasizing effort instead of reading ability and focusing on learning goals instead of performance goals will help the "learned helpless" child immensely. Discusses the role of teacher expectations in the success attained by…

Discusses the effects of age on second language acquisition, considering recent data and highlighting the misconceptions. Claims that proponents of the critical period hypothesis have misinterpreted research on speed of acquisition, misattributed age differences to neurobiological factors, and misemphasized poor language learners in research on…

This article uses activity theory to analyze the conduct of collaborative scientific research, showing how the conceptualization of object is critical to understanding key aspects of scientific collaboration. I argue that the passions and desires behind objects of scientific research are missing in most accounts. I suggest refinements to the…

Carol Twigg, president of the National Center for Academics Transformation and a secondary school teacher, debates on whether technology in the classroom improves student learning. She claims that the key to increasing student learning is to get students more engaged in what they are studying.

Members of "Primary Science Review" Editorial Board explain what drew them to science. Alan Peacock, "PSR" Editor, emphasises the need to preserve children's sense of wonderment about the world. Robert Collins, a science educator in the Faculty of Education, University of Strathclyde, thinks people are "secret science…

The educational system of the future must embrace a learner-centered perspective to maximize high standards of learning, motivation, and achievement for all learners--for both students and their teachers. The learner-centered perspective begins with a focus on knowing and understanding each learner in the context of a deep understanding of the…