Although a growing body of research and practice in reading strategy instruction in secondary education has identified specific and successful methods for encouraging metacognitive awareness, there is little published research connecting these findings to post-secondary literacy education. Consequently, a gap remains in the conception, and…

As a glossary of basic terms for literature study and interpretation, this book draws on recent developments in literary theory and emphasizes the role of reading practices in the reproduction of literary meanings. As well as introducing new terminology relevant to this emphasis, the glossary reviews many traditional terms, such as…

A study examined whether deaf high school students' written English reflects their teachers' use of English sign markers in simultaneous communication by comparing the teachers' signed story with the students' interpretation. The students' output and teachers' input differed only in ways familiar from research on children's imitation and semantic…

Considers how student resistance to literary characters who violate stereotypes can shape the meanings constructed within the interpretive community of the classroom. Concludes that because negative student responses can limit the potential of literature to illuminate human experiences, they must become a formal part of the curriculum, another…

Examines problems of interpretation posed by Avi's "Nothing but the Truth," particularly those concerning what truth is and what access the reader has to it. Shows how a "documentary novel" employs "objective facts" but allows various characters to manipulate them. Suggests that a traditional approach to the novel is problematic and recommends…

The skills in the interpretation of fiction proposed in this paper are defined by seven item types. Four question sets, based on four different texts, were administered to between 77 and 127 students each. The results confirm experimentally the hierarchical and taxonomic nature of the item types. (Author/BW)

Finds that, by teaching history in conjunction with literature, students grasp historical understanding because they begin to acquire a deeper understanding of their role in constructing the past. States that literature helps create strong images often missing in students' responses to nonfiction material. Gives Alejandro Morales's "The Brick…

Explores a particular aspect of adolescents' literacy development: their growth in the interpretation and appreciation of literature. Examines how decisions about the goals of literature instruction and the kinds of literature selected can create difficulties for maturing readers. Suggests some instructional approaches that support the development…

In language which can be understood by ordinary people with college backgrounds, this book introduces philosophical hermeneutics (the interpretive theory of the humanities) to English teachers, with their role in writing instruction especially in mind. The book contrasts philosophical hermeneutics with other theories of interpretation and…

Suggests that teaching students how to think critically and to transfer this skill to reading can increase students' comprehension and standardized reading test scores. (AEA)

Reviews SEEN, a computer tutorial program which guides students as they first define and then systematically develop their interpretative skills. Finds it to be one of the most useful tools available for teaching literature. (MG)

Discusses how students can use hypertext to create thick descriptions of primary documents in order to display their research for an electrical project. Explains that students learn that history is not just a collection of facts, improve their technical skills in terms of website creation and searching, and engage in historical interpretation.…

Asserts that music teachers must encourage discussion of musical interpretation and interpretive choices as opposed to only focusing on fingerings and tunings in the performance aspect of music education. Provides various strategies for building student creativity in musical performance, such as encouraging divergent thinking or the interpretation…