Reports on a study of foreign language learning in Australia's primary schools in the mid-seventies. The role of immigration in the development of second language programs is discussed, along with the extent of federal government involvement. A state-by-state analysis of language programs is also given. (PJN)

Golden Age 4-H Clubs provide opportunities for older persons to remain curious and creative. They can become vehicles for communication between the generations both in the family and in the community. Their development requires careful planning, incremental development, and clear participant motivation. (Author/SK)

Describes the application of an interest-centered individualized program for adult students in Nebraska correctional facilities which attempts to integrate vocational programing and life/career planning with remedial mathematics and reading. (SK)

When it became apparent that change was necessary to alter Hatboro Horsham High School's (Pennsylvania) downward trend in grades and SAT scores, the school adopted "intensive scheduling," which is built on the 85-minute, 5-period day. Intensive scheduling proved very successful, and the school's statistics have improved greatly. (KDP)

Explains how modern programming systems empower beginning college students taking computer literacy courses; provides suggestions for designing courses and on the selection of appropriate software; and gives examples of course content and of approaches to course development using the Visual Basic programming environment. (22 references) (LRW)

Incarceration, mandatory education, and the freedom to learn all present confounding, yet novel realities for Arizona State Prison inmates assessed below eighth grade levels in reading, language, or mathematics. A profound transition occurs when prisoners choose to succeed in this second-chance program. When they truly appreciate learning's…

The 2004 Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in the Science of Psychology is awarded to Janet Taylor Spence. She is recognized for her outstanding scientific contributions that have had a profound theoretical and empirical impact on two areas of inquiry: Her early seminal research on the motivational properties of trait anxiety led the way to…

This article identifies some of the frustrations felt by a classroom practitioner as a result of the restrictions generated by current demands for accountability, and the limiting effect these can have on children's learning experiences. It goes on to consider the liberating impact of a more organic way of organising the curriculum, which allows…

We studied how teachers use ideas that pupils offer when they are consulted. Six teachers (two each in English, Maths and Science) and their Year 8 classes at three secondary schools were involved. In this paper we explore the importance of social capital for understanding the processes and dispositions that underpin classroom consultation.…

Malcolm Knowles, in his theory of adult learning (1972, revised 1980), presents adults as motivated, self-directed learners. Basically, once a person starts seeing himself or herself as an adult, he or she has an expectation of being independent in decision-making, valuing personal experience, and desiring respect. Courses, curriculum, and…

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)

Briefly examines research on motivation. Discusses the importance of applying motivation principles to instructional design. Describes the following motivators that can be incorporated into the context of a learning activity: action; fun; choice; social interaction; error tolerance; measurement; feedback; challenge; and recognition. (AEF)

Suggests that questions of motivation and learning are central to the concept of human capital. Reviews motives for learning in education and work. Highlights the goals that motivate human endeavor. Concludes with two challenges for those who work with concepts of human capital and development. (CAJ)

Provides an overview of the theoretical arguments and problems encountered in the implementation of information technology in Chinese language teaching. States there is a belief that teaching and learning can be enhanced with the introduction of information technology, explaining that it may increase students' motivation to learn. (CMK)

A Shakespearean play was taught in a resource room with students with learning disabilities in grades 10 through 12, in a manner that took advantage of the students' learning differences. Questions about "Macbeth" were developed and investigated before reading the play. The experience increased self-esteem and academic motivation. (SW)