The author helps some kids make personal connections to what can seem irrelevant within the confines of classroom and curriculum. Interestingly, though, the most meaningful connections she has made with students have come not through quirky English teaching, but through her extracurricular interloping into the realm of social studies. The most…

Reviews the literature concerning teachers as researchers, noting questions about whether teachers are capable of conducting research in their own classrooms, and demanding a definition of "research." (ARH)

Describes an approach to teaching the student research paper that improves the quality of arguments and prose. Reviews specific steps to writing and researching the research paper, which include free writing on a topic of interest, formulating a research question, interviewing and surveying, initial drafting of an argument, and (only after these…

Outlines some strategies that students can follow when beginning a research assignment, especially useful when they are new to the process of research. Draws parallels between some characteristics of group conversations and research, such as originality of conversation and originality of writing/research. (NKA)

Argues that librarians are natural collaborators with English teachers to improve education and support lifelong learning, assisting students in their learning and supporting teachers in their efforts to update skills and knowledge. Discusses how librarians can help with appropriate research assignments, finding the right sources, evaluating…

Reexamines assumptions about teaching the research paper, including the following points: (1) research is suitable for all high-school students, not just college-bound seniors; (2) research is not natural, but requires much training; (3) real research does not restrict sources; (4) teachers can not teach research without doing research themselves;…

Offers observations from a high school English teacher and a college professor (and former high school teacher) on dilemmas of the term paper: to teach it or not in high school; the importance of research skills; the wish to prepare students well for college and for life; and high school students' comments regarding their term paper assignment.…

Describes a research paper project for high school students that requires them to incorporate source information into a conversational letter. Builds topic around an imaginary class reunion aboard an ocean liner. Notes that the students internalize the assignment, find a practical reason for using reference books, and actually enjoy the research.…

Discusses the benefits of a source of guidance for teachers: language arts research. Explores an authentic classroom experience using a socio-psycholinguistic theoretical orientation and an ethnographic approach to research. (EL)