It is proposed that etymological information, usually provided in native speaker's dictionaries but eliminated from learners' references, can serve several important functions such as disambiguate, relate words that are alphabetically far apart, illuminate by providing an image or reference, and motivate with interesting information. (Author/MSE)

Describes several approaches used in trying to teach an adult to learn to read over a period of several years, including the approach that was successful (language experience) because the student was highly motivated to write. (JM)

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)

Discovery learning, defined as intentional learning through problem solving and under the supervision of the teacher, is discussed in terms of its advantages and disadvantages, with suggestions for its application. (JMF)

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)

Describes how an understanding of "engagement" can be applied to multimedia systems design and can support learning goals and motivation. Provides examples of engaging interactions, suggests methodologies for evaluating their impact on the learner, and offers practical hints for incorporating them into multimedia system design.…

Describes a faculty development workshop designed to teach about the Six Trait Analytical Model, explaining how the facilitator's presentation and the attending teachers' attitudes combined to make the workshop a grueling experience. (SM)

Describes the lack of importance ascribed to English as a language in Elizabethan times and points out that the popularity of any language resides in its perceived cultural and economic capitol. Draws distinctions between instrumental and integrative motivations and discusses the place of favorable attitudes and positive motivations in language…

Discusses ways to reduce children's fear and discomfort in the learning situation by accommodating the children's interests through cultural themes that represent emotions and anxieties preventing the organization of thought. (JPB)

It is well established that children are already learning science before entering school as they actively construct meaning from the world around them. Using children's previous and personal experiences to engage them with new and unfamiliar concepts can be a powerful tool, and their motivation to learn will increase if they see how the science…

Through an exegetic reading of Peirce's minor texts on higher education, I find that Peirce's conception of a "Liberal Education" is close to the Herbartian conception of "Bildung." Peirce calls for a general education with the ambition of qualifying critical thinkers with the capacity to go beyond the strict rules and narrow borders of the "artes…

A critical element in effective teaching is establishing positive connections with students, particularly those at risk of failure. This article presents the findings and suggestions of researchers who have examined the practices and impact of caring teachers, and how their students perceive them.

This article, based on a presentation made by the author at the 2003 California Library Association conference, provides examples of how librarians and teachers can use Science Fiction to provide catalysts for discussion in a variety of subjects; teach students how to question intelligently; and stimulate their imaginations, thus motivating them…

In this article, the author shares some findings from his classroom observations. He has found that, in the typical classroom, a small group of students answers many questions and as much as half of the class answers no questions at all. One problem with such a response pattern is that teachers often decide how well the lesson is going from the…

This paper recounts the process by which a severely reading-disabled adult student taught himself to read and write Ancient Greek, and in so doing, improved his ability to read and write in English. Initially, Keith's reading and writing were slow, difficult and inaccurate, accompanied by visual disturbance. However, motivated by a strong interest…