This article presents two lessons. The first one is "Carved in Stone: The Preamble to the Constitution" by Steven S. Lapham. In 1937, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) commissioned artist Lenore Thomas to create some sculptures for the planned community of Greenbelt, Maryland. Part of her work consisted of bas-relief friezes on the…

For many artists, visual representation begins with the creative exploration of real and personal experiences. The primary challenge in creating such introspective works is maintaining the ability to connect with a broader audience. For high school students specifically, tremendous pride manifests in the creation of artistic works that represent…

This article describes two lesson plans based on the theme: "Your Country," developed using Gilly Salmon's 5 step model in creating e-tivities. The lesson plan model contains five steps that include: (1) Access and motivation where learners will gain experience in using technology, relevant and authentic tasks which will provide explicit…

This study guide has been developed to accompany the film "Blessed Is the Match: The Life and Death of Hannah Senesh." The guide is organized in two sections: Preview and Postview. In the Preview, students are introduced to Hannah Senesh. They learn the historical context of her story, and they begin to consider some of the main themes…

Most communication texts analyze relationships by focusing on the big moments such as conflicts, crises, break-ups, major transitions, or initial meetings. Perhaps because everyday communication is so common, it often has been ignored for study and analysis. Yet because these seemingly undramatic interactions form the basis for relationships,…

Describes the use of personal journals in a graduate course on human sexuality. Students were asked to keep journals of observations of sex in the environment--e.g., magazines, TV, people's interactions--and their reactions to it. (AM)

Describes a course diary that documents events in the course during the year and supplies a record of overall student performance and expectations. Explains the benefits and contents of a course diary, as well as what can be done throughout the year to make writing the course diary an easy task. (ASK)

One of the best ways to enrich students' social studies experience is to include assignments in which students interact with social studies content and skills. In this article, the author explains how teachers can use writing exercises to encourage such interaction. She describes the following writing activities: (1) acrostics; (2) haiku; (3)…

Defines different types of student journals and assesses them worth an allocation of class time based on research and samples of student work. (CRH)

Describes a dialogue-journal writing technique that requires a nonevaluative response from the teacher and is based on students' firsthand experiences. Several examples are provided. (RH)

A class diary helps kids remember--and parents learn about--what goes on at school. (Editor)

Shows how student journals can be used in a variety of subject areas to focus both student and teacher on the learning process inherent in writing. (RL)

This article features original text passages from the primary source, "Diary of Judge A. N. Ferguson engaged as Civil Engineer with a U.P.R.R. [Union Pacific Rail Road] Surveying Party April 25, 1868 to May 10, 1869." Creative ideas for discussion are provided about topics such as weather, and the dangers the survey team endured as they completed…

Describes a four-part journal format for use by students in an interpersonal communication course. The four parts are (1) student assessment of skills; (2) goals; (3) strategies for implementation of goals; and (4) review. (JMF)

The personal student journal is a little-used technique that holds special promise for instructors working in diverse educational settings. Journals can be used as an instructional tool for students, as a means for nurturing self-directed learning, and as a bridge to personal growth. (PP)