Offers 10 suggestions for more varied and creative use of learning logs. (ARH)

Argues that thematic units may be the best way to avoid the lack of compelling journal writing topics. Argues that themes introduced in a journal writing assignment prior to the study of the text are good preparation for reading. Presents some examples of themes, topics, and accompanying literary works. (RS)

Describes how one teacher learned to eliminate ethical and pedagogical problems inherent in student journal writing by placing restrictions on assignments. (ARH)

Offers seven approaches to integrating foreign students and recent immigrants into the culture of the school and classroom. Discusses the meeting of the minds, growth through participation, mingling languages and literatures, a cultural-heritage project, sharing food and stories, new friendships through journals, and ideas for involving parents.…

Rejects grading student journals. Describes various approaches to journal writing evaluation the author used with her students and approaches used by her professors when she returned to school. Questions the educational process of grading student journals. Discusses how to create real dialog. (RS)

Describes how the author puts people in place to deal with the technology in order to allow teachers to focus on the content and the instruction. Notes how Weblogs allow anyone to publish on the Internet. Describes a variety of uses for Weblogs in the classroom. (SG)

Proposes that when teachers structure the classroom around the student, differentiation starts to happen. Outlines the following suggestions in order to do so: make it meaningful; make it authentic; differentiate content; make it interdisciplinary; and practice what you preach. Concludes that if educators are willing to eliminate ineffective…

Describes how one teacher used journal writing with student writers. Discusses the reasons for using student journals and claims that journal use is most effective when the teacher's objectives and expectations are thoroughly examined. (HB)

Describes a method of including students into a community of readers through which they are encouraged to respond individually to literary texts. Shows how writing prompts can be used in the classroom to foster reader response and the integrity of each reader's interpretation of a text. (HB)

Describes a method ("buddy book journals") of encouraging independent reading among students. Outlines the activity, in which students select partners with whom they read and study a particular book. Argues that this method is an excellent means of generating thoughtful response to literature. (HB)

Describes one American Literature class' experiences upon studying the writings of Henry David Thoreau. Emphasizes the importance of student "carryover" of skills and information previously learned. (RS)

Discusses uses learning logs for student assessment. Defines learning logs. Discusses structuring the logs; student voices and responses; a map drawing assignment; and using logs for evaluation. (RS)

Describes a rationale and strategy for using the diaries of women authors in a course on women writers. Notes that this unit on women's diaries introduces students to women writers with whom they are unfamiliar, and also encourages students to read other works by these writers. (MM)

Presents excerpts from eight of the many manuscripts received in response to a call for papers about whether other teachers could become like Nancie Atwell by reading her book "In the Middle." Results indicate that junior high teachers all over the country are emulating, adapting, and extending her methods. (RS)

Describes the way one teacher used extensive journal writing by students over assigned readings and the pros and cons of such an activity. Considers how teachers should respond to and evaluate student journal writings. Provides advice on how such journals can be used to develop writing voice. (HB)