Points out that there are a number of competing conceptions of what "critical thinking" means. Claims that thematic courses are an excellent way to teach reflective, independent thinking. Outlines how a thematic class might be structured as an ideal situation for developing critical thinking skills. (HB)

Offers a 20-item list (put together by high school students) of features characteristic of Whitman's poems. Uses the list of features to write original poetry. Offers additional writing ideas for use with Walt Whitman's poetry. (MG)

Presents a historical study of the contribution of George Jardine to the field of composition. Considers why Jardine has been omitted from histories of writing instruction. Outlines Jardine's plan for using collaborative learning and peer editing in the classroom. (HB)

Provides analysis of the term "plagiarism" and distinguishes it from other ways students might employ sources. Defines a form of source usage called "patchwriting" that relies heavily on summary and which should be acceptable to writing teachers. Weighs the pros and cons of summary writing. (HB)

Claims that rhetoricians should pursue more actively opportunities to collaborate with history and other disciplines. Argues that such collaboration will more effectively generate new knowledge and will rebuild a public role for esoteric disciplines. Outlines connections between history and rhetoric. (HB)

Introduces an interchange that considers the spiritual sites of composing. Considers the root meaning of religion as a binding force in society. (HB)

Uses French feminist theory and the imagery of hands to explore what has been called the hidden or atrophied essence of feminism. Explains how pedagogy derived from such a conjunction enables students to write critically, break bonds of domination, and celebrate choice. Shows how to transfer these theories into classroom practice. (HB)

Responds to an article in the same issue by Ann Ruggles Gere entitled, "Kitchen Tables and Rented Rooms: The Extracurriculum of Composition." Argues that Gere's emphasis on alternative histories of literacy instruction provides a useful new direction for historians of composition instruction. (HB)

Responds to an article in the same issue by Ann Ruggles Gere entitled, "Kitchen Tables and Rented Rooms: The Extracurriculum of Composition." Considers the feasibility of the term established by Gere, "extracurriculum." Analyzes Gere's argument concerning the composition field's culture of professionalism. (HB)

Describes trends or issues that concern practicing English teachers, including: "The Challenge of Teaching Older Students"; "Get with It!"; "The Lack of Moral Grounding in Students"; "Tradition and Control"; and "Beyond the Human Connection." (HB)

Describes the "correction process" developed by one writing teacher by which students are asked to address comments to graded written assignments. Advocates allowing students to enter into a useful dialog with their instructor over the content and quality of their written work. (HB)

Surveys a number of standards and assessment projects currently underway at the national level. Places these projects in historical context. Describes and distinguishes the particular foci and methods of each of the projects. (HB)

Discusses Mikhail Bakhtin's interest in ethical action and response, or "answerability," and its relevance for composition studies. Examines how Bakhtin has been used to authorize various research in composition studies. Shows how composition instruction might be undertaken as influenced by answerability. (HB)

Describes a method of teaching writing that asks students to locate a proper epigraph for their completed essays. Discusses the function of epigraphs, especially as poetic expression. Shows how some students revised their work according to the content of their epigraphs. (HB)

Discusses the ways language shapes meaning and knowledge. Considers how writing instruction is vitally linked to the concepts of social constructionism. Outlines a class exercise in which the teacher shares an essay-in-progress with students and discusses the idea of writing and revision as "conversation." (HB)