Since "English Journal's" (EJ's) founding in 1912, contributors have asked how literature shapes students' ethics, or morals. Ethics, on this account, is about people's ways of imagining and leading good lives. EJ authors explore how reading literature can help students see themselves and the wider world in light of visions of the good…

This article takes as its starting-point four moments that occurred in the course of a year of teaching A-level English Literature in an inner-London sixth-form college. It argues that these moments represented forms of learning and experience that were valuable, but that fell outside the prevailing version of what (English) lessons are for. It…

In this article, Jeanne Dyches investigates the ways in which inquiry models of instruction have failed to provide students with a space in which to grapple with discipline-specific histories and hegemonies. Accordingly, this study offers critical canon pedagogy (CCP) to help students problematize and disrupt the practices specific to a…

In this piece I explore the concept of 'growth' in English teaching. Starting with John Dixon's 'growth' model, I argue that, by re-imagining his ideas in current contexts, practitioners might re-focus and re-invigorate the priorities of English teaching. Dominant conceptions of 'growth' are explored, along with their influence on teacher working…

The use of service learning in university courses can be limited depending on the class and the subject matter. In this article, the authors provide examples of two teachers' experiences with service learning in literature courses, showing service learning can have a home in fields of study where it might not initially seem to belong. The authors…

Harvard served as a model for English Departments in the past and, with its 2008-2009 changes, it seems to take the mantle in providing yet another model. However, I propose a much more radical approach to creating an undergraduate "English" curriculum that does more than push the boundaries of traditional study of English literatures. I…

Because of the global status of the English language, and the cultural and linguistic qualities of English literature, English teachers are at the fulcrum of educational debate. As global curriculum expands and refocuses the challenges and possibilities of multicultural education, teachers, schools, and communities are challenged to reexamine the…

Describes and discusses an evaluation procedure for middle school literature study guides that uses a combination of three frameworks: J. Langer's model of literature study, H. Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, and B. Cambourne's conditions for learning. Uses the evaluation procedure to compare two study guides for a historical fiction…

Summarizes recent research and theory on or related to the composing process to arrive at a general model or structure for the teaching of writing in secondary schools. (DD)

Explains how Odysseus represents four qualities that the youth of today find salient in their culture. (MM)

Examines secondary school reading instruction from the information-processing and sociocultural perspectives. Reviews research on cognitive strategy instruction and its effectiveness. Presents implications for instruction. (HB)

This paper puts forward an argument for re-thinking the nature and function of English and English Education, especially the teaching of literature, and proposes a model of empathic intelligence, which helps to formulate how much re-shaping might occur. The paper states that English literacy educators have relied for far too long on a hybrid…

The research orientations and perspectives of people participating in the international dialogue about the redefinition of English language studies have been varied. Two broad and overlapping areas are distinctive to English studies: the exploration of human values and experience through the study of literature and the media, and the development…

The pendular shifts in attitudes toward teaching writing reflect varying concerns that educators have had about the proper instructional emphasis--whether it should be student centered or discipline centered. The historical dates that act as signposts to these shifting attitudes toward methods of writing instruction include the following: the…

Describes the use of imitation exercises to expose students to selections from great literature and give them opportunities to practice certain English usage or conventions. Notes that imitation improves syntax and style. (HTH)