I am working on my final for AED/205. The question is "Do students come in to class with a desire to learn or is it the teacher's job to foster a desire to learn?" I feel that when kids are younger they want to learn as they get older maybe not so much, they just want to grow up and live their lives already!! Not all kids feel this way but many do, I have to find an article that backs up my answer, I have looked but can't find anything that is backing up my answer, any suggestions?

Try searching here:

http://scholar.google.com

or here:
http://books.google.com

or here:
http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en
At this page, you have more control over the words you do and don't want included in your search. Use the first search box (all these words) for the words you want included, and the fourth box for words you don't want included in the search.

Thanks so much!!!

You're very welcome.

Also ... do you have access to a college or public library? Even if you go to the library only once to get a library card/number, you should be able to get the usernames and passwords so you can access the huge databases most libraries subscribe to these days. You'll often find better information through them than through general searches on the Internet (although "scholar" and "books" via Google are pretty good!).

Here is an example -- one college's library website (but public libraries usually have many of these, too): (Broken Link Removed)
Click on Electronic Resources/Databases to see the different databases this particular college provides for its students. EBSCOhost, ProQuest, and Facts.com are among the largest and best.

What does your library provide? That's a good place to research.

Finding articles that support your answer can be a valuable way to strengthen your argument. Here's a step-by-step process to help you find relevant articles that discuss whether students come to class with a desire to learn or if it is the teacher's responsibility to foster that desire:

1. Start with an academic database: Begin by accessing reputable academic databases such as JSTOR, ProQuest, or ERIC. These databases contain scholarly articles and research studies related to education.

2. Define your search terms: Clearly define the key terms related to your topic. In this case, you can start with terms like "student motivation," "intrinsic motivation," "desire to learn," "teacher influence," and "student engagement."

3. Use advanced search features: Most academic databases have advanced search features that can help narrow down your search. Look for options such as limiting the publication date, focusing on peer-reviewed articles, or specifying the type of source (e.g., research study, literature review).

4. Read abstracts and article summaries: Skim through the abstracts or article summaries of the results to determine their relevance. Abstracts provide a brief overview of the article's main findings or arguments.

5. Look for related keywords: While reading the abstracts, take note of any related keywords or phrases that can help refine your search further. These keywords might lead you to other relevant articles.

6. Follow citation trails: If you find an article that aligns with your topic, examine its reference list and the papers that have cited it. This technique, known as following citation trails, can help you find additional relevant articles.

7. Expand your search to different databases: If you are not finding enough results or need a more diverse range of perspectives, consider exploring other academic databases. Each database offers different sources, so expanding your search can be beneficial.

8. Seek guidance from your instructor or librarian: If you are still struggling to find suitable articles, reach out to your instructor or a librarian. They have experience in locating relevant sources and can provide you with further assistance.

Remember to critically analyze the articles you find and use evidence from those articles to support your answer. Good luck with your final!