Recent literature on student characteristics and their predictive potential for academic achievement is reviewed. The results are often contradictory, and generally account for little variance beyond that accounted for by tests of intellectual ability. The usefulness of the cluster analysis approach is demonstrated. (Author/LBH)

In this series of six articles, authors discuss motivating students through praise, using questioning as a teaching method, teaching lazy learners by making them find their own answers, tips on testing, improving reading and study habits, and teaching job-related English to refugees. (JOW)

Comparison of the study skills of 38 adult and 60 traditional-age college students in the same course found that older students had significantly higher scores on meaning orientation and lower scores on reproducing orientation and had persistence and educational attainment at least as high as that of traditional-age students. (Author/MSE)

Research suggests mature college students use more desirable approaches to academic learning, adopting a deep approach (meaning orientation) more often and a surface approach less often than younger students. Explanations include motivation by intrinsic goals; acquisition of a surface approach by younger students in secondary education; and…

Out of 92 New South Wales pupils identified as talented in primary schools, 3 left school before the end of year 11, and 15 failed to place in the top 25 percent on Australian Higher School Certificate tests. Affective patterns leading to inappropriate study habits and lack of motivation were gleaned from questionnaire responses. (Author/PB)

The roles that knowledge, motivational variables, and approaches to study play in academic success were explored for 104 undergraduates. A path model was proposed and tested, providing a basis for beginning to understand how the approaches to study students select may mediate between knowledge, beliefs, and achievement. (SLD)

Secondary teachers face significant challenges in their efforts to increase the literacy levels of adolescents. Encouraging teachers to speak out about these challenges and to recommend initiatives that may improve literacy practices for adolescents is vital for future reform efforts. This study examines the questions: "What are the greatest…

A study investigating the relationship between motivation, study time, and student achievement in second language courses has as subjects 97 tenth- and eleventh-grade English speakers in introductory French, German, and Spanish courses. Two surveys measured motivational factors and the amount of time spent studying the second language. Motivation…

This book describes specific ways for teachers to assist their students in mastering skills needed for success in school. It is based upon the belief that thinking can be improved, human intellect sharpened, and academic ability increased. A case for study skills is made in Chapter I. Chapter II provides guidelines for the immediate improvement of…

A questionnaire for students to rate their own study skills was developed and administered to over 5,000 primary and secondary school students in Japan. Scores for study skills and student motivation were calculated and compared to scholastic performance. Individualized suggestions for improvedment were provided and found to be appropriate. (GDC)

This article questions the stereotyped picture of the Asian university student as relying heavily on rote learning. A survey comparing Hong Kong students (n=2,143) with Australian norms found similar study processes in the two groups, suggesting that tendencies toward reproductive study approaches may be a function of teaching practices rather…

A class discussion activity intended for freshman courses helps students explore some issues in the design of a personal study philosophy, including the real reasons for studying and the obstacles to studying effectively. Results of field testing the approach with a class of 22 students are reported. (MSE)

The aim of this study was to find out whether university students' study orientations on four innovative courses differed from their usual orientations to their studies. Furthermore, students' study success and learning experiences were examined. The pedagogical innovations carried out on the courses included different kinds of activating…

This study investigated students' attitudes and motivations toward online learning. Students in the online course, Introduction to the Visual Arts, were asked to complete questionnaires administered during the first and last week of the online course. A group of questions on Attitude was asked on both surveys. Questions on Interest,…

An assessment of the Homework Emphasis Program (HEP) at a senior high school located in a mid-sized city is presented. This program is intended to increase student learning and decrease the number of failing grades by encouraging students to complete all assigned homework. HEP involves warnings to students who have not completed homework…