Describes various teaching tips used by two practicing English teachers to enhance literature instruction in the classroom. Focuses on the inherent interest students have in heroic fictional characters. (HB)

"English--a portrait of current practice" is one in a series of portraits by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE), depicting current practice in key aspects of the Scottish curriculum. The portrait series is a recent initiative by HMIE, flowing from the "Improving Scottish Education" report. It is intended to promote…

Dramatic improvisation ideas for high school English teaching. (CH)

Suggests an approach to teaching the poetry of T. S. Eliot.

Suggests classroom activities to develop students both cognitively and affectively in language proficiency. (MM)

A brief description of a program in visual literacy developed to help illustrate to high school students some of the basic elements involved in communication. (AK)

Games provide a stimulating environment for language use and help bridge the gap between the student's world and the world of fiction. (Author/SP)

Asserting that the Supreme Court's 1963 Schempp decision does not prohibit biblical instruction in the public schools, but only mandates that it be objective, the author suggests several techniques for incorporating Biblical allusions and stories into literature instruction. (SJL)

Recommends eight plays from the 1980s which will challenge the thinking of students with issues such as evolving independence of young people, growing up in the context of racism and discrimination, insights into the world of the deaf, and the suffering of humanity during the French Revolution. (MG)

Describes the techniques and strategies suggested by practicing poets for teaching poetry. Discusses specifically what teachers should not do when studying poetry with students. Advocates teaching contemporary American poets, and provides a list of some of the best. (HB)

Shows how one teacher incorporated poetry more broadly into the English curriculum. Gives 12 practical suggestions for getting students more involved in poetry. (HB)

Provides an account of how one teacher taught poetry by first focusing on what students knew about a poem and then moving to what they were surprised by and, thus, to what they did not know. Outlines how such a method was carried out in the classroom with Marge Piercy's poem, "Councils." (HB)

Describes the way one teacher connected young adult novels with poetry. Provides extensive suggestions for teachers interested in such connections. Includes a listing of possible titles to be connected. (HB)

Describes one teacher's theory of the use of argument in the English curriculum, particularly its importance in developing democratic classrooms. Defines the multiple functions of argument in society. Advocates developing argumentative skills among students, particularly in a wide variety of forms and discourses. (HB)

Describes why college English teachers should consider offering a literature elective in mystery fiction. Argues that mysteries are growing in popularity and in academic respectability. Provides methods and activities for use in courses designed around mystery literature. (HB)