The relative effectiveness of practice and motivation was studied with 18 sixth grade classes learning English usage. Results suggest that the most effective device for learning is to increase the amount of practice, while the prime function of motivation is to make the practice more palatable. (SLD)

Shares a method that encourages students to read the mathematics textbook by quizzing the students on the ideas read in the previous day's assignment. Describes how the quizzes are administered and provides examples of typical quizzes. (MDH)

The current concept of the "global village" is used as the basis for a discussion of new approaches to language acquisition, and particularly a new pedagogy. It is noted that the pedagogy of the language classroom of the 1990s does not call for a language "laboratory" but centers that focus on communicative competence or proficiency. (LB)

Presents practical ideas for classroom use in literacy education, including a schoolwide reading incentive program; a center to publish students' work; a way to use the calendar to improve reading; and a method for using children's oral language patterns (such as jump rope rhymes) to teach reading skills and strategies. (PRA)

Describes using published journals and books written by adolescents to spark seventh graders' journal writing. (SR)

Describes how a middle school teacher used team teaching and modeling to help a student teacher learn how to teach. (PRA)

A study of six women in an Australia literacy program at the Springvale Community Health Centre suggests that there are dangers in defining literacy needs in terms of economic productivity. Issues of self-worth and social support are also addressed. (Contains 19 references.) (LB)

Explores various aspects of a conceptual framework for integrating computing into social sciences and education courses. The use of computing as a method for increasing intrinsic motivation is discussed; the uses of computer-assisted instruction in the classroom are described; and software is discussed. (Contains 10 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the elements and activities in the workshop approach that motivate middle level students to begin to love to read and write. Examines the basic needs of students--survival, belonging, power, freedom, and fun. (RS)

The problems and value of television as instructional material for the second-language classroom are discussed, and a new videocassette series produced by the journal "Francais dans le Monde" is described. Criteria for topic and segment selection are outlined, and suggestions are made for classroom use. (MSE)

The diverse population of a community college requires strategies that heighten motivation and reduce frustration of students trying to master complex foreign language grammatical structures. A "package approach" is described for teaching all object pronouns as extra material for students to enjoy. (Contains five references.) (Author/LB)

Stories are recounted about students enrolled in an intermediate level intensive English program at a university. The stories show how classroom pedagogy can transform students' negative perceptions about their abilities and result in their empowerment as writers. (Contains six references.) (LB)

This article examines different manifestations of verbal talent and how teachers can identify and cultivate special verbal abilities in students. The provision of role models relevant to students' interests is stressed and a list of recommended biographies is included, as are literary experiences available to student writers. The relationship of…

This article describes an activity to generate interest in writing and ownership of the learning experience by students with learning disabilities. An object is placed in a bag, a volunteer describes the item by feeling it, students draw the item, and students then discuss the importance of expressing ideas clearly. (JDD)

Explains the use of experimental poetry forms for decoding practice to help develop reading skills in elementary school students. The use of computers for word processing capabilities is discussed; seven forms of poetry are described; and results are examined in terms of motivation and the development of literacy. (four references) (LRW)