In this teaching case, we describe an experiential learning project that allows students to perform sentiment analysis on a set of tweets (posts made on the social media platform, Twitter) by collecting and analyzing posts that include key words selected by the students. Sentiment analysis refers to the process of identifying and categorizing…

This article describes a unit-length project involving students in the analysis of how public memory is shaped by multiple factors and functions persuasively to influence one's understanding of historical events. This project was designed for an upper-division undergraduate course in Rhetoric and Public Memory, but could be adapted for use in…

Discusses the U.S. public's fascination with the judicial system and high-profile court cases. Highlights several trials that have been deemed the "Trial of the 20th Century." Explains that there are certain dramatic and societal elements inherent in particular cases making them high profile, such as religion, racism, revenge, scandal, and fame.…

We live in a climate ripe for noise: Media outlets and 24-hour news cycles mean that everyone with access to a computer has access to a megaphone to broadcast their views. Never before in human history has an opinion had the opportunity to reach so many so quickly regardless of its accuracy or appropriateness. Of course, it's difficult to hear…

Described is a grammar program, "The Drama of Grammar," which engages students in exploring language through active participation in numerous activities. It is based on the recognition that children already know and use the language system, and builds on that knowledge. (KC)

Notes the importance of opinion and students' use of opinion in relation to editorials. Discusses three things to keep in mind when teaching students how to choose a topic for an editorial: make it controversial, contextual, and confined. (SC)

Students' use of "I think" and its variants when writing about literature reflects an avoidance of close observation of the literary text. (DD)

Reports on a simple classroom exercise that investigates whether students' beliefs of what they think should happen influences their measurements. The exercise also provides a framework for discussing the challenges that human belief systems bring to the discipline of using the scientific process. Results suggest that students' preconceived…

Citizenship education is an important part of the development of young adults, enabling them to learn about their rights and responsibilities, and to understand how society works. Video is an effective medium for young people to express their views and, through involvement in a production process, they are able to learn more about putting forward…

Presents two lesson plans to help students understand how news managers exercise judgment, how the media shapes public perception of people, places, and things, and how to recognize the importance of balanced news coverage. Each lesson includes objectives, a scenario, discussion questions, activities, and an evaluation. (LS)

Asks secondary students to compare the real Scopes trial to the fictionalized version presented in the movie "Inherit the Wind," with their textbook and Web site versions. Intends for students to learn about key facts, arguments, and outcomes of the trial and to understand significant individuals' impacts on the trial's events and…

Discusses some of the factors such as cultural attitudes, student expectations, and teaching methods that affect and impede the teaching of college-level courses in music appreciation. An alternative teaching approach, which presents ways composers have portrayed events in the human life cycle, is described. (AM)

Offered are suggestions to teachers for introducing improvisation into the classroom. Improvisational activities include movement, vocal, and related arts projects. (KC)

Described is a jury trial involving intermediate grade students as defendants, lawyers, and jury, with an adult as judge. It is suggested that it is important to deal with serious offenses at school in a democratic way that involves students in decision making. (KC)

The authors suggest that simply by changing the method of questioning, a teacher can change not only the intellectual demands in the classroom, but also the range of thinking strategies that provide for understanding and competence. (KC)