Jeffrey Wilhelm extrapolated 10 different dimensions of response to reading, which he grouped under the headings of "evocative,""connective," and "reflective" dimensions. A study used these dimensions of response to measure some of the activities set by a group of teachers and some of the written and oral work…

Explores why Chinese students' responses to American literature appear dogmatic and predictable. Examines how Chinese typically study literature by considering (1) the officially recognized relationship between literature and politics; (2) the traditional aims and methods of instruction in middle school; and (3) students' responsibilities in their…

Describes the results of a study in which 32 English teachers were requested to identify passages of verse disguised as prose. Analyzes which features enabled the readers to recognize the poetry passages. (KEH)

Provides a list of picture books suggested for middle school libraries and presents methods of introducing these books in order to assure acceptance by less fluent and reluctant readers. (NH)

Describes an action research investigation into overcoming a tension felt in a particular approach to teaching literature. Wishes to make studying literature a meaningful experience for students and have them pass exams. Uses the idea of the forum, as described by J. Bruner, as a way of holding these two thrusts together. Evaluates effectiveness…

Studies Chinese bilingual readers' nonverbal responses (vividness of imagery and emotional response) to a text in English and in Chinese. Finds readers of English text did not understand the passage as well as readers of the Chinese version; however, imagery and affect were formed even in the absence of total understanding, showing they are…

The February 7, 2005 report by the Honorable Bob Rae--"Ontario: A Leader in Learning"--focused national attention, at least fleetingly, on a matter of prime importance to Canada's future: vulnerable state of higher education in this country, a subject that has, unfortunately, largely escaped serious public discussion. Although Mr. Rae, a…

Andrew Wright has recently criticized an article penned by the author, which suggests that no good reasons have been given why religious education should be a compulsory school subject. In this article, the author explains the two misunderstandings Wright has about his position. First, Wright characterized the author's thesis as arguing "from…

This paper examines visual and affective factors involved in the reading of foreign language texts. It draws on the results of a pilot study among students of post-compulsory school stage studying French in England. Through a detailed analysis of students' reactions to texts, it demonstrates that the use of "authentic" documents under…

The summary information in this report provides teachers, school administrators, students, and the general public in Alberta, Canada with an overview of results from the June 1998 administration of the English 30 Diploma Examination. The information in the report is most helpful when used in conjunction with the detailed school and jurisdiction…

An initial study (Ram 1) in Denmark in 1970 determined whether methods could be developed to assess the effect of textual passages on readers' experiences of a short story. Subjects, 717 Danish secondary students, were given a questionnaire to check on the effect of specific auctorial techniques and to chart readers' attitudes and the way they…

Outlined in this paper are the plans for three additional pilot studies to be conducted in Denmark as part of the interdisciplinary Turko-Danish Fairytale Project. The project is concerned with the collective versus the individual nature of reader response to literature and the three pilot studies are: introspection studies during the reading,…

Notes that syllabus requirements for British secondary school literature courses tacitly create a course in writing as well. Presents ways in which this writing component can be implemented, without isolating it from the literature component. (HTH)

Argues that Christa Wolf's novel "Patterns of Childhood" provides opportunities for students to consider the adolescent dilemmas of the protagonist Nelly and to reflect on how they themselves are coming to terms with the world. Notes that the novel forces students to see Nazi Germany with new eyes. (RS)

Examines reading interests and reading responses to American young adult fiction among students from the multiracial culture of Singapore. Finds that Singapore teenagers need little motivation in reading American young adult fiction because of their positive attitude towards language acquisition. Notes that the teenagers can be sidetracked by the…