The study focused on growing interests in the L2 Motivational Self-System (L2MSS) and its practical implications by examining some major books, book chapters, edited books, some validation and intervention studies grounded on this model. The study adopted scanning research design, and the researchers accessed the materials through the Internet and…

In this paper we offer practical suggestions for integrating social justice content into physical-activity based physical education, namely, through a socially-just TPSR approach. We first address the challenges of using pedagogies for social justice in physical education. This is followed by a brief overview of TPSR (the what) and a re-imagined…

The shortage of African American teachers can be traced back to the historic "Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court" decision in 1954. While recruitment initiatives have been somewhat productive, studies nonetheless reveal a "revolving door" whereby scores of teachers abandon their jobs before retirement. Attrition is the…

World Bank's data indicate 70 per cent of the African population lives in rural areas. Additional evidence made available by the African Development Bank [Africa's own version of the World Bank] suggests 65 per cent of Africa's urban dwellers live in slums. This paper relies on these data to conceptualise Africa's global rurality and issues around…

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that facilitated college persistence and retention among African American males who were enrolled in an undergraduate program at two four-year public universities in Southern California. This research addressed the growing problem of college attrition among Black males by conducting an in-depth…

Intrinsic motivation (IM) to learn, if cultivated, can lead to many academic and social/emotional improvements among K-12 students. This article discusses intrinsic motivation to learn as it relates to Self Determination Theory and the trouble with relying solely on extrinsic motivators. The academic benefits of IM in the specific subject areas of…

In this article, the author discusses three steps that will help administrators build a system that allows them to bring balance back into their life. The first step is to create a picture of how things could be, because real change always comes from the inside. The second step is adjusting their attitude. Controlling their attitude is as…

Critiques Kohn's article (in the same "Educational Leadership" issue) arguing against the use of cooperative rewards. Without group rewards based on the learning of all group members, cooperative learning can degenerate into answer-sharing. The idea that such rewards (usually paper certificates) can be dispensed with is wishful thinking. Includes…

Responding to Slavin's critique of Kohn's article (in the same "Educational Leadership" issue) condemning cooperative rewards, Kohn slams Slavin's faulty research interpretations. Slavin may be correct that few non-reward-based classrooms exist in the U.S., but this hardly demonstrates that the best alternative to bribing individuals is to bribe…

For at-risk students, opportunities to help others may provide a way to break the devastating cycle of failure--to substitute caring for anger and replace low self-esteem with feelings of worth. Educators are advised to select genuine (and optional) opportunities, choose tasks matching students' abilities, avoid praising helpers publicly, and have…

Examines the principles and practices of cognitive coaching as a viable mentoring tool. Provides mentor/coaches with practical suggestions for utilizing reflective questioning strategies, clarifying and probing responses, and taking a nonjudgmental stance. Overviews a mentor-preparation training model aimed at helping proteges become…

Although intrinsic rewards are important, they (along with punishment and encouragement) are insufficient for efficient learning. Teachers must supplement intrinsic rewards with extrinsic rewards, such as praising, complimenting, applauding, and providing other forms of recognition for good work. Teachers should use the weakest reward required to…

Intellectually gifted children (N=20) and a comparison group (N=79) were administered the Children's Academic Intrinsic Motivation Inventory at ages 9, 10, and 13. At all three ages, the gifted children had significantly higher academic intrinsic motivation across all subject areas and in school in general. Assessment of intrinsic motivation is…

This article describes an approach to student discipline which is based on getting students to take responsibility for their own behavior, rather than forcing obedience. Strategies are suggested which offer practical alternatives to less effective control-oriented methods. (IAH)

Examines the assumption that interdependence is best achieved by using rewards. An impressive body of social science research has shown that rewards have limited effectiveness and can undermine interest in the task. Cooperative learning programs with appropriately balanced curricula, autonomy, and relationship elements function well without…