In this article, we provide both a critical analysis of and logical response to a set of the most typical school-based objections to the effective use of positive reinforcement. For example, one objection is that positive reinforcement amounts to bribery. Practitioners are provided with clear and concise arguments refuting each objection and…

As frequent consumers and disseminators of research, school psychologists have an ethical obligation to critically evaluate the findings of studies (National Association of School Psychologists, 2010); however, this can feel burdensome when studies are behind paywalls and require hours to properly scrutinize. Particularly when studies utilizing…

Translating current principles of language learning into effective classroom practice requires a nuanced understanding of the cognitive and social factors that shape how learners engage in instructional activity. In this paper, we identify four principles that represent a current theoretical consensus in the field, which we hope will guide…

Discusses the publication of the complete literary heritage of Comenius, known as the "Teacher of Nations." Suggests that the editors' attention to the exact textual processing and the explanatory part will make this critical edition irreplaceable. Describes the work as 60 volumes containing more than 200 works and correspondence. (DK)

In language education, several recent curricular developments from expressive writing to interactional reading share a common core of assumptions rooted in British Romanticism. This article compares central tenets of the New Literacy and Romanticism, focusing on the former's reconceptualization of the teacher, the student, and the language arts…

The transformation from grammar to literature can be difficult for college foreign language students because of the introduction of figurative language inherent in the study of literature. Article presents classroom techniques for introducing figurative language and literary analysis in classroom. (BK)

Describes German literature course which subordinates goal of improving language skill in a literature course to a philosophical/critical approach which stresses increasing students' sophistication as literary critics and reinforces their interest in studying a foreign literature. Orientation emphasizes alienation of the protagonist and tries to…

Present's Harriette Arnow's "The Dollmaker" as an excellent vehicle for teaching the fundamentals of literary interpretation, especially to non-English majors. Describes how the novel illustrates the interconnection of plot, setting, characterization, symbol, and theme. (MM)

Explains how to use the novels of Toni Morrison to teach high school students about life and literature. (JL)

To demonstrate that rhetoric can be useful and challenging, a course in rhetorical criticism was designed with a public conference as a major component. This article describes and evaluates the first annual James Madison University Rhetorical Criticism Conference, April 2-3, 1981. (PD)

Draws on current television programs to show how English teachers can teach the elements of plot, character, and theme. (HTH)

Describes the way that three novels by African-American women--"Browngirl, Brownstones," by Paule Marshall; "The Bluest Eye," by Toni Morrison; and "The Third Life of Grange Copeland," by Alice Walker--captures the shared experiences of Black women. (DB)

This paper discusses the ideas of Conrad Fiedler, a 19th century German philosopher of art, concerning art criticism, or the judging of works of visual art. In addition to a brief biography of Conrad Fiedler, the paper's main subject is Fiedler's ideas on art criticism as expressed in his book "On Judging Works of Visual Art" (1876,…

Illustrates use of the vocabulary-in-context and the question-and-answer exercises to enhance reading and understanding of literary texts for advanced high school second language classes. Suggests these exercises prepare students to progress from written exercises to the teacher's oral presentations to classroom discussions. (Author/BK)

Speech writing can be an excellent vehicle for helping students develop writing skills. The course described in this paper blends rhetorical principles and practices from public speaking, speech composition, persuasion and public relations with "real world applications." Students work on developing purposeful communication, a consistent…