This paper presents a rationale for using an integrated thematic unit with elementary and middle level social studies classes and provides examples of working units. Steps in the developing the thematic unit are itemized with product outcomes to show for the process. Efficacy assignments allow the students to feel they have addressed a social…

Three of the four papers in this collection focus on reasons why many Asian Americans end up in dead-end jobs and suggest ways of avoiding this situation. In "Views of an Educator," Nasser Sharify provides insights from an educators' perspective about finding and maintaining a successful career, and recommends that Asian-Americans pursue careers…

The Career Introduction Model discussed in this chapter is an early intervention strategy intended to support the first-generation freshmen enrolled in the Education Opportunity Program (EOP) at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS). The model is an interactive approach to assist students in connecting their academic pathway to their…

This article examines how young adolescent girls in Australia seek information when they feel concerned or anxious about future jobs and future education. Topics include the girls' doubts about personal competency and job opportunity; adults who may think they are too young for such concern; and implications of these attitudes for information…

Relates findings from a review of the literature on six academic motivational constructs studied in traditional environments to online education concepts. Examines self-efficacy, locus of control, attributions, goal orientation, intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, and self-regulation to identify methods for ensuring student success in online…

This case study illustrates the development of career self-efficacy in a male high school junior identified as both gifted and learning disabled. It suggests that early recognition of potential, opportunities and resources for talent development, and emotional supports from caring adults are critical, positive influences on career self-efficacy.…

All students, except those who are fundamentally impaired, can achieve at high levels if teachers build students' confidence through positive expectations and a program that helps them develop intellectually and progress academically step by step. Cites some districts' efforts to put this belief into practice. (MLF)

Describes a study of junior high school students in Seoul, Korea that examined the effects of student motivation on performance in Web-based instruction. Tested the applicability of the self-efficacy theory in Web-based contexts through motivational surveys, path analyses, written tests, and search tests. Internet self-efficacy scale and sample…

Hierarchical linear modeling (HIM) is an approach used in data analysis to better understand how program outcomes are affected by the "nested" nature of data collected in many studies. An outcome can be considered variables such as an individual's self-efficacy, social skills, or more targeted outcomes such as demonstrated reading and mathematical…

The classic fairy tale, the "Wizard of Oz," may have some lessons for female teachers considering school administration. Just as Dorothy, female educators experience the same perplexing emotions, questioning the right career destiny, experiencing stormy situations that thrust them into career paths, exploring the unpredictable paths to their…

This essay describes how interclass collaboration in the context of an in-depth interdisciplinary discussion and analysis of global problems can yield significant benefits in the development of ESL students' sense of efficacy, their literacy, and their critical thinking skills. Collaborative lessons expose the students to new and varied…

This paper focuses on two key aspects of self-evaluation in adult education and training through the perspective of (a) a social-cognitive framework which is used to categorise those factors that enhance self-efficacy and self-evaluation, and (b) the accuracy of self-evaluation. The social-cognitive framework categorises the factors that enhance…

Over the past 20 years, many theories on achievement motivation have been established to understand the complex interaction of motivational variables and identify the conditions that can enhance individuals' motivation. This review explores the role of conceptions of ability, its relations to other major motivational frameworks and factors…

It is well known that human development is influenced by social change. In particular, as evidenced by research on German unification, the rapid change of social institutions can impact on various aspects of behaviour and development. Based on my own research experience in this field, I want to show the necessity for a better interdisciplinary…

Over the past years, a large body of scholarly literature has developed to address gender inequity in the developed world, and suggestions for reducing the gender gap are well documented in the literature. However, still lacking in research is why there is gender inequity in mathematics and science education in African schools. Girls are not…