The study examines the effects of a quasi-experimental classroom goal condition (mastery, performance-approach, combined mastery/performance-approach) and entering personal goal orientations on motivation, emotional well-being, help seeking, cognitive engagement, and achievement for 237 upper elementary students during a 5-week math unit…

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.…

Based on years of experience with intergenerational correspondence at the "Senior Partners Network," this book is designed to help grandparents (and grandchildren) to find the right topics for correspondence, all laid out in clear steps. The book also offers sample letters, cards, and e-mail messages, and provides dozens of themes. The…

Guidelines for use by school practitioners in assessing students' motivation to learn are presented. Most of the instruments reviewed and literature discussed pertain primarily to the academic motivation and achievement of students in kindergarten through grade 12. Most are paper-and-pencil, self-report, group-administered measures that can be…

Condensed from "Phi Delta Kappan," Volume 50 (December 1968), 228-30.

The primary thesis proposed in this article is that Black children, because of their home experiences and cultural factors, are more responsive to variety in teaching and learning formats and more intolerant of the monotonous ones of their mainstream counterparts. (Author/EB)

In a study of declining college entrance examination scores, it was found that student-related factors, such as academic courses taken, were more closely related to test scores than school-related or family structure factors. (ED.)

Examines the predictive validity of the "Attitude/Motivation Test Battery" (Gardner, et al, 1979), specifically the three composite measures derived from the battery--motivation, integrativeness, and attitudes toward the learning situation. Results demonstrate that the three factors are relatively consistent predictors of second language…

Demonstrates how minority "group" behaviors and beliefs can have complex and powerful effects on individual learning in the classroom. (HTH)

Introduces the concept of formal and informal groups in a variety of settings, including the classroom. Argues that informal group processes in the classroom do make a difference in the accomplishment of formal learning goals and provides suggestions for legitimizing communication about student feelings and for giving to students formal…

Argues forcefully that the assignment of grades can have more deleterious than beneficial effects in education. The theme that grading should be abolished is developed by answering a series of commonly asked questions about evaluation of students. (JR)

Studied the effect of collecting, correcting, and grading homework on student mastery of course content and the student activity and attitudes toward homework assignments. Concluded that there were no significant effects on academic achievement and students probably did not realize the importance of feedback in their homework activity. (CC)

A motive to succeed (Ms) is defined in terms of one's academic self concept (Sa) and confidence in that self concept (Sc). (Author)

See EJ 014 381. (CK)

Discusses several research studies which show that what teachers expect of their pupils is usually what they get from them. (JOW)