Questions the persistence of the concept of organizing scholarship and instruction along national or chronological lines. Proposes a radically new system by which English studies might be organized. Suggests developing "contact zones" which bring diverse texts into dialog with one another. (HB)

Considers the emergence of English as a separate high school subject beginning late in the 19th century. Describes the influence of the Committee of Ten, whose objective was to assure that students were prepared for college. (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…

This book intervenes in current debates about the future of English studies as business interests reach deeper into the domains of higher education. By recognizing that economic pressures keenly manifest themselves in curricula, the essays in the book explore possibilities for curricular reform in English to serve the interests of students,…

Argues that the 1980s will be a very good time for college writing teachers and writing programs. (FL)

Urges teachers to keep reading and writing alive in the classroom by assigning a variety of books, including the classics, and by integrating written responses with the reading assignments. (DD)

Argues that students must be taught specific techniques for adapting their prose through increasing the level of language. Suggests one technique of analyzing the choices of subjects and verbs in sentences that can help students produce more intelligent and powerful writing. (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)

Argues for the consideration of food and gastronomy in the teaching of English in high schools. Provides methods of teaching writing in conjunction with student response to eating. (HB)

Describes the healthy discussions currently being undertaken concerning the teaching of grammar by English teachers. Argues for a variety of effective ways of teaching grammar. Gives attention to psycholinguistic models of grammar. (HB)

Describes how one English teacher developed a replacement for the traditional literature exam: student exhibitions. Defines these exhibitions as student presentations over course material in which expertise and close reading are demonstrated. Advocates allowing students the opportunity to teach class materials. (HB)

Provides an account of the importance of story poems in the English classroom. Describes how one teacher wove the teaching of poems, stories, and writing into a single coherent unit of study. Argues that bringing these diverse materials together is a useful method of literary study. (HB)

At Springfield Technical High School (Massachusetts) tenth grade students are required to spend three six-week periods in writing laboratory classes. As the students write, the teacher moves from student to student for short conferences, checking with each student twice during each class period. Students proceed in a three-step process and are…

Describes a simple computer game for writing poetry. Notes the advantages and limitations of such computer assisted English instruction. (RL)

Argues that composition cannot be taught apart from reading, that reading means only the reading of great writing, and that the teaching of reading and writing is best handled by people who have studied literature and created some themselves. Offers suggestions for the improvement of the undergraduate English curriculum. (FL)