Describes how one teacher taught adolescent literature that deals with war and, specifically, the Vietnam War. Covers four key themes of Vietnam literature: combat narratives, the war at home, refugee experiences, and the next generation. Suggests ways of using these materials with students. (HB)

Suggests that authentic discussion is "classroom talk that is purposeful and engaging." Shares two activities that the author has used to create classrooms that are inquiry driven and characterized by an emphasis on dialogue rather than monologue. Describes two activities that utilize seven strategies that are helpful in initiating authentic…

Describes a method of teaching literature to high school students that employs an opinionnaire that students use to respond to a literary work prior to discussion. Relates personal successful uses of this method. (HB)

This paper begins by talking about six findings from a major long-term study conducted by Judith Langer, Director of the Center for the Study of English Learning and Achievement, State University at Albany, New York--the study examined English language arts programs in schools that have been working to increase student performance. The paper…

Discusses ways to introduce literature to students in a manner that will encourage them to read and prepare them for the concepts and themes they will encounter when they read assigned materials. (FL)

This paper discusses case studies as an active learning strategy for helping students develop the critical thinking processes that are key to composing, interpreting, and responding to literature and are important in other fields as well. To illustrate how case studies work in the classroom, why they are exciting and beneficial, and how they are…

Contends that changing teaching habits may be the only educational reform that really works. Illustrates bad habits by discussing in detail the use of reading quizzes. Suggests that, instead of holding onto such habits to ensure that students read assigned texts, teachers choose more compelling works to read. (HB)

Noting the popularity and wide use of John Warriner's series of English grammar and composition textbooks and workbooks for high school students (first published in 1948), this paper argues that rhetorical theory informs the series, despite Warriner's claims that his approach was based on axioms of writing instruction. The paper also speculates on…

Offers examples of activities for teaching English language arts that teach students to think critically, solve problems, and work collaboratively, while exploring problems that are complex and interesting but are open to a variety of solutions. Describes an activity used for teaching argument and persuasive writing, and activities for teaching…

A study was conducted to determine (1) whether teachers see a need for or value interaction in the classroom, (2) what methods they use to encourage interaction, (3) how much interaction actually occurs in high school English classrooms, and (4) what factors or methods encourage or discourage interaction. The study involved five high school…

One of the major problems with the English curriculum is that literature, language, and composition, the three major strands of the curriculum, have been separated rather than integrated within the curriculum. This inservice program, which was given for English teachers at Niles High School in Skokie, Illinois, advocates the use of conceptual or…

Case studies can be a powerful strategy to use for helping students learn critical thinking processes that are key to interpreting and responding to literature and writing. Some of the major benefits of applying case methods are: cases provide an environment for active learning; they encourage the creation of a community of learners; cases help…

Argues that traditional textbook approaches to teaching literature alienate students from literature. Describes effective alternatives in which students learn interpretive strategies as they analyze and discuss their own important values in life, and then those of characters in a story; and learn to deal with irony. Outlines writing activities…

This paper suggests that one way teachers can revitalize literature studies in classrooms and foster students' response to literature is by teaching the literature of the Vietnam War. The paper presents some typical student responses to some Vietnam War literature, which stand in striking contrast to student responses to other kinds of literature.…

This teaching model, involving character analysis in literature, illustrates effective instruction that engages students in an interpretive problem, helps them make complex interpretations, and enables them to transform their conclusions into effective literary analysis. The introductory activity in the model is a discussion of a student…