Four eighth and ninth graders with learning problems were studied, focusing on their learning environments, learning behavior, and subjective experiences in the classroom. Ego-involvement and self-protective behaviors were noted. Results are discussed in terms of self-worth theory and motivation theory. (SLD)

Research findings on school effectiveness are discussed in relation to an evaluation model that can be administered at the school and community level, comprising three kinds of data: (1) background factors, such as student social origin and level of attainment; (2) outcome factors; and (3) school process and climate factors. (SLD)

A theory of self-determination is presented in which concepts of intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation are explicated and the innate psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness are discussed. A review of laboratory and field studies indicates the importance of social contexts that facilitate satisfaction of these basic…

How home background and gender influence selection for higher education, and especially for researcher training, in Finland was studied for 106 degree recipients in 1985. Among licentiates and PhDs, there are fewer from working-class backgrounds and more from white collar backgrounds than at other levels of higher education. (SLD)

Interviews with 2,048 Norwegian adults support the hypotheses that the high social status associated with higher education protects educated adults from direct competition with immigrants; high education strengthens the general ability of mastering; and high education creates motivation and the ability to act opportunistically. Unsupported…

Teachers (n=199) from various school levels completed a questionnaire aimed at determining the types of knowledge teachers use in instructional problem solving. Results show higher use of personal/practical pedagogical knowledge compared with formative or normative knowledge, and suggest an interaction between the type of knowledge used and school…

In a study designed to investigate the cross-cultural similarity of vocational interests as measured by the Strong Interest Inventory, an Icelandic version was administered to 413 college students in different majors. Results indicate that United States' norms are valid for Icelandic groups and allow satisfactory prediction of vocational…

The relationship between cognitive style, achievement motives, and problem solving performance was investigated in two studies involving a total of 362 Norwegian high school students solving insight problems. Findings support the hypothesis of optimal motivation of Atkinson (1980). (SLD)

This article discusses the contacts between Swedish and Polish educational theory and points to the influence of the Swedish educationalist Ellen Key on the thinking of the Polish pediatrician and educationalist Janus Korczak. Different approaches to Korczak's works are identified in international research. (SLD)

How students' cultural backgrounds and the variation of these backgrounds in different educational units affect the phenomenon of dropout and change of career plans was studied with 39,831 Finnish college students from 1985-90. Students' tendency to drop out is connected to some degree to sociocultural background. (SLD)

Educational theories must be put to the test in a holistic manner that allows researchers to make decisions about recalcitrant research findings, whether revising the theory, amending initial conditions, rejecting observational evidence, or correcting the logic of the theory-observation-deduction. Pragmatic judgments are more important than…

Repeat test takers (n=2,821) at five administrations of the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test, a college entrance examination for adults, were studied to determine the effects of practice on test results. Repeaters score higher on the second testing, with the biggest gains on three subtests. (SLD)

An attempt was made to assess effects of an educational project designed to enhance knowledge and influence attitudes about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) using trained student instructors. Results with 20 eighth graders showed knowledge enhancement but a negligible effect on attitudes. Most students received AIDs information from mass…

An attempt to integrate computer-assisted instruction with present classroom practices and the curriculum in English-as-a-foreign-language classes is described. Results with 94 Finnish students indicated that computer-assisted instruction is as feasible as conventional instruction in the second-language learning environment. (SLD)

Honoring the contributions of Dr. Rand's educational research, this issue presents an editorial and 11 articles on learning and motivation. Articles deal with theories of learning and motivation as well as instructional practices in motivation, student characteristics and involvement, and educational technology. (SLD)