Argues that teachers should capitalize on the importance of television in children's lives and use it as a tool to supplement or enhance live presentation. Suggested uses include illustrating material being taught with examples from popular programs, class activities based on television formats, and instructional television presentations with…

For effective teaching, the author asserts, student self-direction must be matched to an appropriate degree of teacher direction and both adjusted for group dynamics of the classroom. Accounting for these three levels of activity, a schematic analysis is drawn of the total teaching situation, and strategies are suggested that adapt teaching style…

Describes a study designed to determine preferences for various academic incentives among university education majors in order to create a database of the incentives most likely to be successful. Results indicate that the two most popular incentives were released from the final exam and positive comments from the instructor. (EAO)

Women attending four New England colleges were surveyed to determine how their health beliefs and attitudes related to smoking. Beliefs of current smokers, former smokers, and nonsmokers were explored in an effort to shed light on motivation. Implications for public policy are discussed. (PP)

Studied the relationship between identity status and academic achievement in female adolescents (N=20), based on the theories of Erikson and Marcia. Scoring of interviews suggested that experience and working through crises in beliefs were more closely associated with academic achievement and identity than specific commitments to career or…

Outlines one junior high school's method of improving students' reading habits through a book fair, a book exchange club, and a weekly read-in. (MM)

In response to a challenge that those concerned with communicative competence find an alternative to the traditional comprehension question, it is proposed that the tables be turned and the student be encouraged to initiate questions. This technique would require a change in classroom atmosphere, student role, and sometimes, teacher attitude. (MSE)

Argues that multicultural instruction can enhance culturally different students' sense of self-worth and thereby can motivate and encourage academic achievement. Focuses on teacher involvement as a critical element in multicultural instruction. (DMM)

The Achievement Motives Scale (AMS), constructed by Gjesme and Nygard, was administered to 594 Oslo (Norway) 6th graders and 364 Drammen (Norway) 6th graders. Factor analysis showed the two homogeneous scales of the AMS (tendency to approach success and avoid failure) measure different variables of achievement motive. (LC)

The evaluators of Push/Excel assumed that it was a systematically developed program with measurable outcomes, not a charismatically inspired movement whose effects would be hard to pin down. As a result, neither the program nor the evaluation approach used were adequately tested. (Author)

The pros and cons of using literature in an ESL classroom are examined. It is argued that if literary texts are used, they must be carefully selected and approached in a manner promoting an aesthetic interaction between reader and text. An example of this technique is given. (Author/MSE)

Presents six ways that instructors in reading clinics can emphasize student strengths, including (1) planning for special surprises, (2) building time off into the schedule, (3) finishing the clinic on a positive note, and (4) reinforcing the success of the clinic. (FL)

Encourages the use of television to promote reading and describes four types of television-reading programs. Provides evidence to support this practice and offers a list of resources. (FL)

Explains the differences between talking books, taped books, and books and tapes and explains how each should be used with elementary school children. (FL)

Describes in detail an elective unit that used novels, plays, films, and historical texts to engage student interest in a difficult and relevant topic. (JL)