According to a growing body of research, discussion-based instruction, in the context of high academic demands, significantly enhances student achievement in reading. The effects apply to below- as well as above-average-ability students. These findings confirm what secondary English teachers have believed all along about the value of discussion.…

Describes how to use the "Make a Wish" television series to stimulate student interest in the art of playing with language; includes a sample of student writing based on study of the series. (DD)

Presents four teachers' view on the role of Christianity in literature discussions. Suggests that the importance of Christianity in the formation of Western values and the development of Western literature cannot be ignored. (MM)

Reports on a sample mini-course in the humanities entitled A Several-Circled Search for Self'' which employs the circus as a theme while stressing the importance of student involvement and the development of self-concept. (RB)

Argues for a balance between student-centered and subject-centered'' English curriculums. (Author)

Describes a first year's experience with a nongraded, elective English program at Hickory Township High School, Sharon, Pa. (SW)

Examines the works of modern literature studied in one high school teacher's class. Illustrates the rationale for having students study contemporary literature. (RL)

Describes the author's teaching of satire as it evolved from a small part of a literature course to a semester-length course, valuing written and oral literature. Explains how technique has become central, and analysis has become a meaningful preliminary to students writing their own satires. (SR)

Discusses an English elective course entitled Supernatural Literature and Communication'' in terms of its literary value, course content, and improvement of basic language skills. (RB)

Two educators debate the pros and cons of discussing the sexual preferences of authors as part of the literary contexts of their works. (RL)

Describes how a course on censorship taught at an all-girls high school in Tacoma, Washington, drew on current event controversies to initiate discussion. Outlines the course's four units and uses Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" to frame course questions. (TB)

Describes an interdisciplinary high school course that covers the development of human history, literature, and culture from the earliest civilizations to the present, with particular emphasis on Western civilization. Provides course outlines and objectives. Highlights the content coverage, and reviews student responses to the course. (TB)

Presents four responses from practicing teachers and four responses from high school students to the question, "What principles do you apply in selecting, discussing, and recommending contemporary literature that has sexually explicit language or subject matter?" (HB)

Discusses why a women's literature course is necessary to combat the web of gender bias woven throughout literature, schools, and society. Describes the creation and proposal of a curriculum for such a class at the high school level. Notes objections from male teachers and outlines responses. Describes how the course was proposed to, and turned…