Individual differences in cognitive structures resulting primarily from exposure to physics content were investigated in this research study. Thirty college students were divided into a treatment group of 19 and a control group of 11. A regression analysis indicated that individual differences were probably operative. An analysis of variance…

An instrument to measure attitude toward the learning of French as a second language (ALFS) was developed. Instruments already developed to measure motivational intensity and orientations (instrumental and integrative) were modified to fit the local situation. The experimental subjects were 100 students from grades 7 and 8. Twenty-five students…

Reprint of Corey's classic satire written in the first person of a student who is discussing his overview of his educational experiences in elementary school. From a seventh grader's perspective, the article speaks sensitively and clearly to the dynamics underpinning the dichotomy between a student operating within a rigid academic structure and…

Discusses the impact of planning on classroom environment, students, motivation, and learning by studying existing research as well as personal experiences and observations. Concludes that effective motivation efforts result in learners spending more time "on task," which should lead to higher levels of achievement. (MM)

This study examined the role of motivational factors on the academic achievement of children in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. Four motivational factors were assessed: the child's motivational attributions, motivational goal orientation, self-perception, and mastery-oriented behaviors in the classroom. Mastery-oriented behaviors include being…

Condensed from "Memo to the Faculty , no. 35 (June 1969), a publication of the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Close monitoring and warm encouragement by teachers in a structured setting appear to provide the most conducive learning situation. Students' 8th- and 10th-grade performances are studied, measured by their aptitude and their treatment by teachers. Aptitude patterns vary markedly within teacher treatment. (CM)

Reports on a performance review of two New York City schools, one with high and one with low reading achievement scores. Recommends ways in which schools and communities can cooperate in improving inner-city schools and the education of Black children. (JLF)

Drawing on theories of educational motivation, this study investigated how perceptions of the school psychological environment predict change over time in educational expectations among low-income adolescent mothers. Findings indicated that teenage mothers' perceptions that teachers devalued them intellectually by underestimating their abilities…

Assessed the beliefs of first, third, and fifth graders about their ability and achievement and their motivational responses to challenging puzzles. Suggests that individual differences in children's cognition about ability and achievement are related to their motivational responses throughout the school years. Points out ways that these…

Describes a method for training technically qualified personnel to become competent instructors for corporate and industrial training programs. The method identifies 24 teacher behaviors that promote effective learning, and a copy of an Instructor Feedback Observation Form which includes these behaviors is provided. (two references) (LAE)

Researchers measured the constructs of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for college students' learning, examining self-assessed motivation, composite ACT score, and grade point average (GPA). Extrinsic motivation more strongly (though negatively) predicted GPA. There was a significant positive relationship between GPA and intrinsic motivation.…

Two studies investigated how goals and self-evaluation affect motivation and achievement outcomes. In both studies, fourth-grade students received instruction and practice on fractions over sessions. Students worked under conditions involving either a goal of learning how to solve problems (learning goal) or a goal of merely solving them…

To gauge the impact of after-school student detention on punctual completion of homework, on detained student grades, and on student self-esteem, fourth- through sixth-grade students from a school with an after-school detention policy for late or incomplete assignments were studied. Interviews were conducted with the four fourth-, fifth-, and…

In 1984, a research study was conducted to document whether magnet schools provide quality education and promote racial/ethnic balance. As a result of the study it was found that magnet schools: (1) are associated with positive student achievement; (2) produce consistent effects in elementary and secondary schools and in schools with different…