The results of this issue's series of articles are summarized, and implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed. Initial academic achievement was the strongest predictor of student achievement. The impact of attentiveness, motivation, student background, sex, and time on task were also described. (GDC)

This study examined the factors that best predict which elementary school children will transfer out of a French immersion program. Learner characteristics, teacher and parent evaluations, and family background were examined. Analyses suggest that attitudinal and motivational factors are of primary importance to the continuation of second-language…

Examines the cognitive, academic, social psychological, and linguistic consequences of transferring poor achieving English-speaking students out of French immersion programs. Data suggest that the child's basic cognitive and affective characteristics rather than factors associated with language of instruction influence academic achievement, as…

The United States Bureau of Education in the spring of 1924 requested teachers to submit instances or illustrations of motivated work in arithmetic. The 5,000 or more replies received are doubtless a typical cross section of what is happening the country over. Replies have come from all parts of the country, especially, as was to be expected, from…

For a related document, see H. Ned Seelyehs "Performance Objectives for Teaching Cultural Concepts," in this issue of "Foreign Language Annals." (DS)

Explains the need for a student-centered curriculum. (SW)

Outlines stages followed in initial development of an attitude/motivation test battery to study individual differences associated with achievement in French and presents reliability and validity data. Focuses attention on procedures for test construction and evaluation of test adequacy. (Author/BK)

Based on a literature review, reasons for physician participation in traditional continuing medical education programs are categorized as: professionalism, an interest in topics, a means of validating or modifying prior learning, a means to attain a learning objective, and a change of pace. Inner motivation is seen as a more important reason than…

Describes what happens when a student and teacher have a negative confrontation. Also discusses what effect external assistance can have in bringing about change in the interaction. (Editor/RK)

Examines the hypothesis that students' perceptions of teacher autonomy support, parent attachment, competence, and self-worth would predict motivational orientation and achievement test performance. Results indicate that autonomy support, parent attachment, scholastic competence, and self-worth predicted the academic criterion variables.…

A study investigated the effects of grading practices on the oral production and attitudes of high school students in first-year German courses. The effectiveness of structured situational practice activities on oral communication with and without grading were examined. Results indicated that there were differences in proficiency as related to…

Teachers need to encourage wonder, curiosity, and speculation in their students, and in themselves, because these emotions form the wellspring of science and discovery. By limiting their curriculum to the known world and proven facts, teachers may stifle their students' curiosity about the unknown. (MDM)

A discussion of mathematics anxiety and learned helplessness in mathematics focuses on student failure and avoidance in college mathematics learning. It explores possible causes and suggests classroom activities to foster students' interest and success. (MSE)