Merging constructivist learning theory with a scientific literacy emphasis can motivate students while developing valuable skills. In classrooms that incorporate learning theory, knowledge acquisition is a means to an end rather than an end goal. (SK)

Classroom practices believed to affect student motivation were assessed for 24 upper elementary school teachers during a unit on fractions. Reform-minded teachers emphasized effort, mastery, and understanding more, and those who had received training in motivation made more accurate judgments of students' motivation. (SLD)

Examined scientific reasoning and self-serving reasoning biases in 5th, 8th, and 11th graders. Found that scientific reasoning improved with age. Ratings of evidence quality and written justifications yielded mixed results regarding developmental trends in reasoning biases. Theoretical beliefs regarding religion and ego-protective motivations…

Describes the development and implementation of computer-based multimedia techniques in organic chemistry courses. Provides technical details and some examples of student perspectives on the use of this technology. (DDR)

Examines the relationship between academic, musical, and demographic variables; music self-concept; and enrollment in lecture or performance classes. Finds that students' enjoyment from making music is the strongest predictor of self-concept scores: satisfying musical experiences likely enhance music self-confidence, which, in turn, encourages…

Asserts that the religious educational process must recognize the need to nurture the sense of wonder because it helps to put one's place in the world into proper perspective. Explores the concept of wonder and its place as a means of integrating personal religious experience into religious education. (DSK)

Examines the psychometric properties of Psychological Sense of School Membership-Brief Questionnaire (PSSM-Brief). Middle school students (N=120) completed the PSSM-Brief. Results show high internal consistency and validity. Results were consistent with prior research pertaining to the PSSM. (Author/MKA)

Reports college students' perceptions of service learning, noting that it helps them learn course content, and heightens their sense of citizenship, with the course-content effect intensified for "repeat" service-learning participants. Shows students evenly split as to whether service activities made them more motivated to attend class and to…

In contrast with most academic departments, interdisciplinary programs lack automatic identity, clear space, or curricular territory, and motivation is closely linked to program success. This includes motivation of students in class and outside of class, of contributing faculty, of administrators, and of societal peer groups, such as professional…

Discusses the use of portable keyboards that can download their information into a computer and describes how they can be used effectively in elementary school classrooms. Highlights include uses in various subject areas, including writing improvement; student motivation; taking keyboards home; and uses outside the classroom, including field…

Multiage grouping, based on the belief that children benefit from engaging in learning environments that accommodate at least two age groups, allows for marked improvements in children's enthusiasm for learning mathematics. Children are challenged and stimulated by their interactions with multiage peers, and assessment information indicates they…

Teachers need sound skills and knowledge to manage their classrooms effectively. Without rules, rewards, and consequences, students will care little about learning. This paper discusses managing with an overall plan, motivating students using rewards, viewing consequences as results, and examining the task ahead. Suggests that guidelines and…

Comparison of 48 nursing students in a traditional research course and 18 taking the course on the Web showed no differences in learning outcomes. Reasons for preferring the classroom were increased interaction, decreased potential for procrastination, and immediate feedback. The Web group cited cost, convenience, and flexibility. Self-directed,…

Explores the potential of a corpus-based approach for promoting language awareness in student translators. Examines principal criteria required to produce a good translation and discusses obstacles to language awareness that can be found in the classroom: resistance to correction, lack of motivation, and lack of awareness of the distinction…

Addresses issues associated with motivating students to learn in cyber learning environments; reviews the ARCS model as a basis for systematic motivational design; describes a simplified motivational design; and discusses motivationally-adaptive computer assisted instruction, applications in distance education, and applications in Web-based…