Uses the computer software program "Writer's Helper: Stage II" to illustrate the range of checks possible with various software approaches to the revision of writing. (MM)

Reviews and critiques a recent pedagogical book entitled "Exploring Texts: The Role of Discussion and Writing in the Teaching and Learning of Literature." Considers how this book might prove useful for secondary English teachers. Provides citation and detailed analysis of the book. (HB)

Reviews and critiques three current software products which function as encyclopedias for the computer. Provides publication information and detailed analysis of the programs. (HB)

Presents a transcript of the electronic discourse in response to Lester Faigley's recent book, "Fragments of Rationality," produced by a networked graduate seminar in composition studies. Discusses the impact of postmodernism on the composition classroom and the potential usefulness of similar networked attempts to write collaboratively.…

Reviews 12 nonfiction books submitted for the Carter G. Woodson Book Award that deal with the experiences of African Americans. Argues that many benefits can be reaped from the use of culturally pluralistic tradebooks in the language arts classroom. (RS)

Offers a review of nine books, presented in the form of an imagined conversation between the authors (leading scholars in the English-language arts today) as they discuss changes in language-arts curriculum, interdisciplinary curriculum, community-building in the classroom, teaching rather than showing films, and literature as a living tradition.…

Evaluates and analyzes four recent theoretical and pedagogical books concerned with writing portfolios for teachers of writing. Discusses various issues and theoretical concerns of practitioners advocating the use of portfolios. (HB)

Reviews the findings of L. Koch and A. Gross (1997) and suggests that the positive perceptions of black children toward Black English reflect the dominant linguistic standard within their peer groups. Retention of the Black English vernacular is advocated because it is an expressively rich form of communication. (SLD)

Reviews two books: "The English Classroom in the Computer Age" (offering practical plans for integrating computers into writing courses), and "Evolving Perspectives on Computers and Composition Studies (which is more theoretical). Discusses technological literacy, political issues of access to technology, teacher training, and teaching practices.…

Reviews the following books on rhetoric and education: (1) Wayne Booth's anthology, "The Vocation of a Teacher: Rhetorical Occasions"; (2) Gerald Graff's "Professing Literature: An Institutional History"; and (3) "The Voice of Liberal Learning: Michael Oakeshott on Education," edited by Timothy Fuller. (JS)

Developmental Software Awards were presented to seven computer programs: (1) Kidpix (Broderbund Software), art; (2) FaceMaker, Golden edition (Queue), creative problem solving; (3) My Words (Hartley Courseware) and Paint with Words (MECC), language; (4) EZ Logo, revised edition (MECC) and Learn about Plants (Create and Worlds), math and science;…

Offers a review of a book by John Gaughan, "Cultural Reflections: Critical Teaching and Learning in the English Classroom," a book filled with teaching ideas and insights that challenge English language-arts teachers to immerse students in text and topics that are important in their lives and to genuinely consider students and communities in…

This publication is an annotated guide to software for teaching adult literacy recommended by the Adult Basic Skills Technology (ABST) Project. The ABST Project was initiated in 1982 as the Region X Adult Education Software Project, an effort by the State Adult Basic Education Departments of Washington, Oregon, and Alaska to provide adult basic…

Discusses five recent books about language that address issues that arise in classrooms with an increasing number of diverse dialects and varied home languages. Discusses the complexities of language, misunderstandings in the Ebonics controversy, socioeducational issues, and classroom ideas for teachers. Describes two web sites. (SR)

Suggests that peer group instruction is one of the most significant benefits to have emerged from the process approach to writing instruction. Presents a teacher's classroom research on the peer group response method. (ARH)