The norm of relevance is central to teachers' professional identities, and therefore, decisions about the form of inservice education for teachers (INSET) are crucial for professional autonomy. Relevance is affected by notions of practicality, age, gender, seniority, and area of specialization. Teachers' views of relevent INSET are examined and…

A study conducted with 12- to 14-year-old Nigerian students showed that ridicule (and to a lesser degree insult) is an effective motivator to improved academic achievement in the classroom. It should be asked, however, whether the emotional and psychological implications of ridicule justify its use in education. (Author/GC)

Hong Kong college students (425 responses from 754) identified family role and social position as significant influences on their motivation for reentering school. Those with less favorable class positions were more career motivated; those with more family responsibilities were more motivated by family concerns. (SK)

Among the barriers to learning for Aborigines are rigid institutional structures, focus on learning for gaining knowledge rather than application, and the individualistic framework of formal education. The population would be better served by two-way learning through relationships (knowledge sharing) and self-determination and control. (Contains…

Results of the first Canadian field-tested interactive video for language learners using real conversation demonstrate how simple technology, used properly, can increase students' motivation, drive, and effort. (25 references) (Author/MSE)

Describes the formative use of poster presentations in a nursing-education program. Discusses the use of poster presentation as a successful assessment strategy and a motivating experience for students and teachers. (Author/WRM)

Suggests a new approach to teaching about biochemical cellular processes by stimulating student interest in those biochemical processes that allowed for the outcomes of modern biotechnologies. Discusses the development of students' ability to ask meaningful questions about intra-cellular processes, and the resulting meaningful learning of relevant…

Investigates the existence of distinct motivational groups within a population of Taiwan English as a foreign language learners. Assumed the existence of both an integrative and instrumental motivation. A hypothesized motivation, labeled "required" was also tested for. Results did not support existence of an integrative motivational…

Structural equation modeling was used to test a model's goodness of fit using data from 81 Hong Kong business graduates. The validated model demonstrated that career commitment is positively related to learning motivation and transfer. Suppression effect may explain the lack of relationship between job involvement and motivation/transfer.…

Interviews with 23 disadvantaged and aboriginal postsecondary students in Canada addressed academic motivation; study barriers and supports; knowledge, skills, and abilities; career goals; and definitions of success. Most had a high need for achievement, encountered situational barriers, were goal oriented, and believed postsecondary education…

A qualitative, ethnographic investigation of a Canadian, undergraduate, advanced Hebrew course composed of heritage language learners of diverse backgrounds examined the fluctuating notion of the target language (TL) community in second language teaching. Data collection techniques of participant observation, in-depth, semi-structured focus group…

The aim of the paper is to integrate notions of the improvement of student learning through a focus on the concept of engagement, and adds to that broader discussion through a recent empirical study of the perceptions of students gathered through a case study in a UK university. It is proposed that student engagement lies on a continuum from…

In this paper, I propose that we need to develop an appropriate set of conceptual tools for examining motivational issues pertaining to linguistic diversity, mobility and social integration in a rapidly changing and expanding Europe. I begin by drawing on research that has begun to reframe the concept of integrative motivation in the context of…

Educational professional development is a global concern. It is often characterised by event-delivery methods, though there are signs that other approaches are gaining favour. The authors stress the significance of non-formal learning, and the ways in which it can be promoted and enhanced within the activity systems within which teachers in higher…

Challenges to become what you want to be permeate higher education recruitment literature, inviting students to realize their dreams. Students do not interpret this invitation only in vocational terms. Other aspects of meaning for being and becoming are important for them: self-realization, and becoming who as well as what they want to be. A…