The author, having drawn examples from her doctoral study, describes how a thematic analysis approach was employed to interpret raw data in her doctoral study which explored the impacts of a high-stakes test on students and parents in Nepal. As the main purpose of this paper is to provide some guidelines for English language teaching (ELT)…

Understanding the factors that encourage young people to become active agents in their own learning is critical. Positive psychology is one lens that can be used to investigate the factors that facilitate a student's sense of agency and active school engagement. In the second edition of this groundbreaking handbook, the editors draw together the…

The chapters in "Explorations in Second Language Reading" reveal the importance of reading in the classroom and how instructors can use reading as a bridge to improve learners' other linguistic and interpersonal skills. Most significantly, each author prompts us to rediscover how enjoyable ESOL reading can be and how it can increase learner…

Kindergarten students in the Portland, Oregon, Writing to Read program are learning to use typewriters and computers to write creatively even before they begin using conventional spelling based on the assumption that children are curious about language. A 13-item reference list is provided. (Author/DCS)

This article presents a checklist that teachers and other education professionals can use when deciding which instructional materials to include in their content area instruction. The checklist addresses several considerations, such as the learners' prior knowledge, vocabulary levels, and motivation. In addition, characteristics of the text…

Defines the concept of the learning contract, describes its purposes, and offers a rationale for its use. Typical components and how they might be negotiated are discussed as well as contract implementation and some advantages and cautions to be considered when using this approach. A checklist and 12 references are included. (MBR)

Synthesizes the conclusions drawn from a literature review on principles for motivating students to learn. Outlines numerous pointers for creating essential learning preconditions and for motivating, including maintaining high expectations, supplying extrinsic incentives, and capitalizing on students' intrinsic motivation. Provides strategies for…

The Academic Team (A Team) program at Plano (Texas) Senior High School provides academic enrichment for talented students in grades 9-12. Outstanding A Team students are recognized with trophies and scholarships. The school district and the high school have found the program an excellent means of encouraging academic achievement. (MCG)

Advocates use of students' interests to develop "learning starters" (anything from the students' world with which they can become involved) as a motivational strategy in open classrooms. Identifies and discusses three major categories of learning starters: large group presentations, small group interactions, and independent study. (JD)

A teacher at Chicago Vocational High School describes how he interested a group of urban high school students in American poetry. Emphasizes anticipating the reasons for student resistance and drawing on students' likes and interests. (FMW)

Cognitive and affective components of learning in family life education can occur in a supportive atmosphere which invites risk-taking from students and focuses on integrating components during the learning process. Presented at the annual meeting of the National Council on Family Relations, Education Section, October 14, 1977. (Author/BEF)

Discusses the role of competition in music education, proposing the use of objective criteria in analyzing competition. Examines myths concerning competition, and compares competitive learning to cooperative learning. Concludes that competition curtails student achievement and suggests alternative activities. (RW)

A recommended class activity is a simple gift exchange. Vocabulary, including a wide range of options, holiday terms, and idioms, is introduced at the beginning of class. Partners are assigned, exchange takes place, and thank-you notes may be written. Student enthusiasm and attention are often by-products. (MSE)

The high levels of anxiety, apprehension, and apathy of students in college algebra courses caused the instructor to create and test a variety of math teaching techniques designed to boost student confidence and enthusiasm in the subject. Overall, this proposal covers several different techniques, which have been evaluated by both students and the…

Introduces the range of computer software currently available to aid in developing children's basic skills in reading, including programs for reading readiness, word recognition, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and learning motivation. Additional information on software and computer use is provided in sidebars by Gwen Solomon and…