Because French boys command a sharper accuracy of thought and form in their speaking and writing than do young Americans of the same age, this book examines the educational system in France for the light it might shed on the teaching of English in America. Chapters consider (1) syllabi for two kindergarten-through-high-school courses in…

This study investigated whether students using Project English experimental materials and procedures in seventh-grade language arts classes received quantitatively measurable advantages over those studying with more traditional teaching materials and techniques. From a group of 324 subjects attending two schools in Indianapolis, 83 were taught…

This survey of spelling research covers the subject from the 13th century to current areas needing research and indicates the findings of significant contributors to the field. Particular areas covered include the spelling curriculum; methods of spelling instruction; the relationship of spelling to reading, handwriting, speech, composition, and…

Nine papers deal with (1) the problems of early adolescent education and the role of the English teacher, (2) the teacher's need to re-evaluate the function of writing assignments and the criteria by which themes are judged, (3) the organization of classroom procedures to capitalize on children's natural powers of expression, (4) the influence of…

The several practices described in this volume represent attempts by classroom teachers of Nevada to solve some of the educational problems with which they are confronted. These practices are discussed under the following headings: Helping Teachers to Help Children Learn and Use Phonics; Teaching the Alphabet in the Kindergarten; Teaching Blends…

Offers a plan for teaching the poetry of Wilfred Owen by having students develop meaning with a dramatic reading of a poem, interpretive music or dance, or artwork. Notes that the method seems to have fostered better understanding and student "ownership" of Owen's poetry in the class that first used this method. (JC)

This paper reviews two theoretical approaches (cognitive-developmental and functional-interactive) to the study of the writing of bilingual exceptional children and discusses their implications for effective writing instruction. Also described are two illustrative research projects, one employing the dialogue-journal technique on a microcomputer…

This 17th annual report presents information on current trends and issues informally discussed by the directors of six National Council of Teachers of English commissions. Commission on Composition (Richard Gebhardt, director) discussed the role of writing in literacy; interactions of race, class, language, and learning; teaching grammar;…

This paper argues for peer evaluation of writing, in addition to peer editing, for a complete student-centered learning experience. The proposed peer evaluation model addresses three shortcomings of the current writing class model: (1) instructor workload; (2) the problem of students' writing for an audience of one; and (3) the problem of…

English grammar, as a formal subject, distinct from other branches of instruction in the vernacular, made but sporadic appearances in the American schools before 1775. After the Revolution its rise was extremely rapid. English grammar gained momentum as the hold of Latin grammar weakened, and by the end of the first quarter of the nineteenth…

Reports on a study of the writing skills of 51 Italian fourth graders who used word processors for several months. Concludes that word processing can help motivate children and teachers to do more writing and that further improvement in writing skills would occur if the children received writing instruction. (CFR)

Shares how writing can be used as a primary intervention vehicle to provide for skill development, strategic thinking, and building self-esteem in a clinical setting. (MG)

Presented are the results of an extra-credit assignment to a group of intermediate-algebra students, which entailed the writing of word problems in poetic form. Included is the history of such writing from the trivial pursuitlike games of the Middle Ages in India. (JJK)

This proceedings contains 27 articles on improving teaching and learning in higher education. The following articles are included: "Gender Differences and Faculty Work Satisfaction," (N. Beardslee, N. White, and J. Richter); "Using Your Own Student Evaluation Form for Teaching Improvement," (Y. Bhada); "Excellence in…

With each issue focusing on a different theme, volume 19 of "Inside English" looks at the cultural diversity in the community college curriculum, teaching literature at all levels, teaching writing at all levels, and the challenge of teaching English in the 1990's. In addition to regular columns on the English Council of California Two-Year…