Methodological aspects of a study are reviewed to illustrate the utility of the case study approach in researching the effectiveness of a motivational intervention in an instructor-facilitated learning context. In the study, learners were prompted via motivational messages into modifying their disposition to engage in learning tasks. The setting…

This manual describes the theory behind the Learning Process Questionnaire (LPQ) used in Australia and defines what the subscale and scale scores mean. The LPQ is a 36-item self-report questionnaire that yields scores on three basic motives for learning and three learning strategies, and on the approaches to learning that are formed by these…

A research project studied the relationship between learning English as a second language, perceived ethnolinguistic vitality, and attitudinal and motivational factors. The study is an attempt to verify empirically for Hong Kong students results of previous research on the relationship between second language learning and sociocultural and…

Political, attitudinal, and administrative problems of teaching compulsory foreign languages in Colombia are described and discussed from the point of view of a French teacher in a system characterized by confusion and lack of student interest. (MSE)

Semistructured interviews in 11 schools questioning headteachers about their concerns about modern language teaching policy provided the following: Quality of teaching crucial; continuance of one foreign language rather than another is attributed to ability, industry, and enthusiasm of teacher. Emphasizes that young entrants to the teaching…

Describes the value of teaching Standard English to working class adults who, though not illiterate, felt themselves disadvantaged through their poor command of language. Presents case of adult students in Belfast, Northern Ireland, who knew but did not use "public" language, i.e., Standard English, until instruction developed their…

In-depth interviews with nine adults over 50 in a socially disadvantaged area explored their reactions to British government policy on the role of adult education. Government emphasis on vocational relevance and economic motives for lifelong learning did not correlate with their needs, interests, or motivations. Respondents tended toward intrinsic…

Examined a model in which perceptions of autonomy support and informative feedback from teachers sustain generalized feelings of autonomy and competence in language learning Followed up on an earlier study by examining how integrative orientation relates to intrinsic and extrinsic orientations, which in turn support feelings of intrinsic…

Introduces reading research from Great Britain, Sweden, and Australia. Discusses three conclusions from this literature particularly relevant to college reading specialists. (SR)

A study of college students' motivation for learning, and other social-psychological aspects of second language learning, found students learn German for instrumental, friendship, travel, identification/influence, and knowledge reasons. Fluency was related to motivation, and students of German heritage had higher self-confidence in the German…

Reports on two aspects of the SIMULATE (Simulation Authoring Tools Environment) project: an account of the learning processes that are involved in learning with computer simulations, and an inventory of learner attributes. Topics discussed include ISLEs (intelligent simulation learning environments), prior knowledge, motivation, cognitive style,…

Investigated the emergence of orientations and their relation to motivation in a predominantly monolingual context. Participants were 93 Quebec City francophone Grade 11 high school students learning English as a Second Language. (Author/JL)

Describes a small-scale study into learners' attributions for success and failure in learning French. The study investigated the way in which learners conceptualize the notion of doing well, together with perceived reasons for successes and failures. Interviews were conducted with students (10-15 years of age) who were learning French in the…

Explores the views of 226 students regarding their motivation to learn English and the views of 95 student teachers regarding their motivation to become teachers of English in Slovenia. Finds that students focus on instrumental reasons (future benefits) for learning English, while student teachers recognize the importance of English for their…

A survey of 43 Scottish open university students, aged 28-87, who were studying another language, examined extent of bilingualism; schooling in and exposure to other languages in youth; school, family, media, and travel influences on language attitudes; and motivations for language study. Social and educational legacies affecting student…