Points out problems associated with the language of textbooks and the development of reading-related skills (e.g., reading maps and charts). Discusses specific teaching strategies for coping with textbook language and facilitating text comprehension and memory. (JM)

Suggests ways to stimulate content area teachers' interest in content area reading programs. Advocates a philosophy of "content communication," which can be developed by guiding subject matter teachers through five developmental stages (awareness, knowledge, simulation, practice, and incorporation). (JT)

Describes how the attitudes toward textbooks of students enrolled in a study strategies class underwent change as they worked with a particular psychology textbook. Notes that the students wrote to the author, who in turn wrote back. Argues that students' affective responses to textbook reading may be the most undervalued dimension of content area…

Contends that the goals and methods of content literacy instruction (integrating content area reading and writing across the curriculum) are paradoxical. Content literacy instruction confronts deeply embedded values as a radical pedagogy, yet it represents nothing new when shaped to fit traditional curricular goals. Explores this paradox through…

Notes that content area teachers recognize that visual organizers such as time lines, Venn diagrams, inductive towers, concept maps, causal chains, force fields, and flow charts help students recognize and take control of the intellectual processes which bring meaning to the study of academic content. (RS)

Argues that textbook language influences classroom talk in both coercive and liberating ways. Offers an approach that helps teachers use that fact to get students thinking about texts' hidden messages, in particular regarding gender inequalities. (SR)

Explores the relationship between content-based reading instruction and teaching English as a Second Language. Argues that using content-based materials in developmental ESL courses prepares students for other academic subjects. Provides steps for designing such a content-based course. (HB)

Discusses ways a middle school reading specialist worked with fellow faculty members to promote reading strategies for independent reading in all content areas. (SR)

Challenging educators and students to look at both the importance of secondary reading and the vital differences between secondary level and elementary level reading demands, strategies, competencies, and attitudes, the papers in this monograph indicate the broad range of theoretical issues in secondary reading that must be examined as a prelude…

An implicit contract between author and reader during discourse production and comprehension that defines the liberties each may take in relation to the text is proposed in this report. Discussed in the report are the writer's responsibilities in such a contract--to be sincere, informative, relevant, and clear and to establish points of contact…

The minimum competency goal that now dominates college basic skills instruction is not adequate to prepare the student for success in and beyond college. More can be accomplished within basic skills courses than the mere acquisition of literal information from a reading selection. The use of thematic unity can impose meaningful organization on the…

Suggests that community colleges respond to increasing numbers of students with inadequate reading skills through informal assessment of students' ability, focus on study and discovery skills, comprehension development strategies, and the linguistic approach. Considers future needs and facilities. (DMM)

Proposes that, in addition to demanding literal comprehension of reading materials, study guides should contain questions that require the type of critical reading that promotes interactive, constructive, and dynamic cognitive behaviors. Provides a sample of a general study guide that would promote these reading behaviors. (AEM)

Discusses public interest in historical novels and television programs. Argues that well-researched historical novels can be used in history classes to promote a deeper understanding of the past. Analyzes various types of historical fiction (e.g., historical romances and "alternative-path" stories) in terms of their historical integrity…

Offers three explanations for why students lack the strategies for independent learning and follows that with five practical recommendations for improving study strategies. (HOD)