This study examined the links between Australian adolescents' achievement goal orientation and the information sources they used when making decisions about returning to school and selecting courses for the elective final 2 years of high school. A total of 230 year-11 students from 2 coeducational comprehensive schools in a large city…

This study examined the effects of goals--such as denoting learning and performance outcomes--and self-evaluation on the acquisition of computer skills, efficacy in performing computer tasks, perception of competence for the use of self-regulatory strategies, and frequency of strategy use while learning computer skills. Subjects were 44 college…

Self-monitoring refers to deliberate attention to aspects of one's behavior, and is an important component of self-regulated learning, which depends on favorable self-evaluations of one's capabilities and progress toward learning goals. This paper argues that self-regulated learning is enhanced when students self-monitor their learning progress,…

This study applied need theories to understand leadership motivation in college and university presidencies. Eight presidents from colleges and universities in a midwestern and a southeastern state were interviewed. The participants had been in their present position for at least three years. Included were two leaders from research universities,…

This study developed a valid self-report survey instrument to reliably identify intrinsic and extrinsic motivators that would engage classroom teachers in continuing professional education activities. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivators were identified from research in the areas of adult learning and professional development. Further qualitative…

This study attempted to (1) expand the dichotomous classification scheme typically used by educators and researchers to describe teaching incentives and (2) offer administrators and teachers an alternative framework within which to develop incentive systems. Elementary, middle, and high school teachers in Ohio rated 10 commonly instituted teaching…

Describes a flexible format for a literature unit which avoids the problems associated with a structure which is too rigid or allows too much latitude for students. Notes that the students produce some excellent thinking and writing. (MG)

Examined the relative importance of three variables on changes in students' orientations toward learning for self-knowledge. Academic and out-of-class experiences influenced students' learning orientation and also exerted a modest joint effect. Implications for theoretical models of student learning, for future research, and for administrative…

Reports on a study of competition, motivation, and performance among 60 adolescents in India. Finds that direct competition with another person led to higher levels of immediate performance. Also finds that indirect competition against a pre-set standard resulted in greater intrinsic motivation. (CFR)

Discusses the use of correspondence training in the classroom to improve learning outcomes. Defines the training as an experimental behavioral strategy that takes into account the degree to which people achieve what they are aiming to do. Concludes from research involving middle school students that the subjects achieved a better work output in…

A survey of 203 social and behavioral science students enrolled in a graduate-level research methodology course examined the relationship between learning style and library anxiety. Found that students with the highest levels of library anxiety tend to be those who like structure, are self-motivated, lack persistence, and are peer-oriented…

Examines whether students who are intrinsically motivated about learning procrastinate less than those students who are externally motivated and also explores the consequences of procrastination. Indicates that students whose motivation is external are more likely to procrastinate while procrastination is associated with poor academic performance…

Assessed effectiveness of engaging students in a creative activity on a topic as a means of encouraging an active cognitive set toward learning that topic area. Creative task engagement was found to be an effective means of enhancing creativity (in the absence of evaluation expectation), intrinsic motivation, and long-term retention. (JBJ)

Study utilizing self-determination theory (which poses four types of motivation: intrinsic, self-determined extrinsic, nonself-determined extrinsic, and amotivation) postulates varying consequences for adaptation and well-being. Finds the four types of motivation could be reliably measured and that intercorrelations between them were consistent…

Presents an entertaining look at changes in educational trends and attitudes. This humorous treatment compares and contrasts constructivist versus behaviorist learning approaches, intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, portfolio versus multiple choice testing, qualitative versus experimental research, and intuition versus logical reasoning. (SLW)