Argues that arts education plays an essential role in improving children's academic performance, motivating them to learn by improving their communication skills and reasoning abilities. Suggests that arts education can also be a source of hope for children in inner cities, the elderly, the physically challenged, and the incarcerated. (AJL)

Examines the relationships between organic chemistry achievement and a number of cognitive and noncognitive variables, and explores whether gender differences existed for any of these relationships. Concludes that general chemistry grade, ACT-math score, and motivation are significant predictors of organic chemistry achievement. Indicates gender…

Argues that it is worthwhile for motivational theorists to consider the implications of social perspective theories and to explore the motivational implications of nuances within these theories. Explores the motivational implications of sociocultural assumptions about knowing and learning, as they have been defined by situative cognitive…

The context of Educational Psychology has seen profound changes over the last 30 years; due to these, self-regulated learning has become a current focus for research, and one of the essential axes of educational practice. Since Zimmerman and Schunk's (1989) publication, "Self-Regulated Learning and Academic Achievement: Theory, Research, and…

Studies on academic motivation from the perspective of goal orientation have been plentiful in recent years. Nonetheless, the conceptual and empirical approach is not uniform, evolving from normative conceptions toward other multidimensional ones. This paper analyzes the classic and reformulated versions of this theory, looking at assumptions,…

A description is made of the first steps taken towards the development of a model of epistemic beliefs, which is conceptually based on the learning process. In two studies, which were conducted in the domains of mathematics and physics, a quest was made to secure the first evidence of the usefulness of the model. The most important results of the…

Background: Two main approaches to studying have been distinguished by several researchers, the deep approach and the surface approach. In addition, an achieving or strategic approach employs either deep or surface strategies, depending on the demands of the task. Aims: The present study investigated factors contributing to the choice of…

This paper reviews recent literature in order to identify factors affecting student performance in introductory high school and college physics courses. An important factor identified was formation of cognitive structures such as formation of problem solving schemata. It was concluded that Piagetian concepts such as concrete and abstract reasoning…

This publication focuses on motivation at the school level and identifies ways in which administrators can improve student academic achievement. Chapter 1 discusses the influence of school culture on student motivation, based on recent research that suggests the importance of educational leaders in creating a motivating environment for improved…

The components of motivation in foreign language (FL) learning are examined as well as the effect of those components on certain language learning behaviors. Two basic assumptions are derived from the results of the study. These include the following: (1) Motivation in FL learning contexts (e.g., learning English in Hungary) is different in some…

This study surveys recent literature on education in Japan to determine what elements of the Japanese educational system could be incorporated into America's pedagogical system. There are four sections with the following titles: (1) What comparisons are being made between Japanese and American students in achievement and IQ tests scores? (2) How…

The study investigated the effects of intrinsic motivation training and/or written language training on the written language achievement and motivation of 55 learning disabled adolescents (grades 10-12). Interventions included Alley and Deshler's "Learning Strategies" approach (writing strand) and "TARGETS," a systematic instructional strategy…

The family backgrounds of successful Asian students were examined to generate testable hypotheses about the socialization of exemplary school achievement of these students. Structured interviews were conducted with 15 Asian students, all of whom would be considered in the top 5% of achievement nationally. These were Harvard University…

A study was conducted at a mid-western community college to determine motivational profile differences between high and low achievers. The study population of 71 full-time, degree-seeking students in the school of arts and sciences was divided into a high achieving group with grade point averages (GPA's) of 3.85 and above, and a low achieving…

Compares the lecture and self-paced methods of instruction on the basis of student motivation and achieveme nt, comparing motivating and demotivating factors in each, and their potential for motivation and achievement. (Authors/JR)