In this piece I explore the concept of 'growth' in English teaching. Starting with John Dixon's 'growth' model, I argue that, by re-imagining his ideas in current contexts, practitioners might re-focus and re-invigorate the priorities of English teaching. Dominant conceptions of 'growth' are explored, along with their influence on teacher working…

The need for English and literacy curriculum to connect with young people's lifeworlds to build bridges and frames of reference that connect traditional English curriculum with digital texts and literacies, are increasing priorities in curriculum frameworks in Australia and elsewhere. This paper reports on a project in which the authors worked…

Harvard served as a model for English Departments in the past and, with its 2008-2009 changes, it seems to take the mantle in providing yet another model. However, I propose a much more radical approach to creating an undergraduate "English" curriculum that does more than push the boundaries of traditional study of English literatures. I…

Traditional grammar instruction is a challenging element of the English curriculum; both students and teachers struggle with the rules and dull nature of grammar. However, understanding grammar is important because students need to understand the language they speak in order to be effective communicators, and teachers provide grammar instruction…

Harnessing insights from Brophy's (1999, 2008, 2010) notion of scaffolding students' appreciation of learning, this article tackles challenges to student engagement, especially among reluctant students, by exploring two classroom settings in which students' valuing of school content and activities supported their engagement and achievement. The…

Because of the global status of the English language, and the cultural and linguistic qualities of English literature, English teachers are at the fulcrum of educational debate. As global curriculum expands and refocuses the challenges and possibilities of multicultural education, teachers, schools, and communities are challenged to reexamine the…

Opinion surrounding Western Australia's provision of compulsory education via an outcomes-based education (OBE) paradigm is severely divided. At the centre of debate is an attempt by authorities to extend OBE into the final years of secondary schooling, Years 11 and 12. In this paper an examination is made of OBE as a curriculum paradigm.…

This practical guide discusses the challenges teachers will face when programming for language--that is, in planning an effective language program for their students. The guide includes ways to meet the challenges; suggestions for what to read, attend to, observe, write, and who to talk to; points to ponder before programming; and a model for…

Suggests that cultural anthropology can provide promising insights for educators. Provides numerous examples. Presents an anthropological model for the assessment and evaluation of literacy in students. Discusses how this model might apply to primary and middle school students. (HB)

Argues that the pragmatism of community college programs is having a favorable effect on the English programs at four-year and graduate institutions. (RB)

Explores a central conflict in the field of "writing across the disciplines": voice versus discourse, or process versus form. Argues that this conflict is founded on a false dichotomy. Argues that the concept of the "rhetoric of inquiry" is capable of connecting the two sides of the conflict in a new synthesis. (HB)

Considers the emergence of English Romanticism in the early 19th century as the advent of new ways of thinking and knowing. Compares the cognitive skills of romanticism with the development of adolescent cognition. Shows how English teachers can tailor literature instruction to foster the insights of romantic understanding. (HB)

Directs attention to informal varieties of inservice teacher education, such as that provided by the contact between practicing English teachers and consultants. (HOD)

This paper puts forward an argument for re-thinking the nature and function of English and English Education, especially the teaching of literature, and proposes a model of empathic intelligence, which helps to formulate how much re-shaping might occur. The paper states that English literacy educators have relied for far too long on a hybrid…

The research orientations and perspectives of people participating in the international dialogue about the redefinition of English language studies have been varied. Two broad and overlapping areas are distinctive to English studies: the exploration of human values and experience through the study of literature and the media, and the development…