Ergonomics, or human factors, is the study of the relationship between people as functioning physical beings and the world in which they exist and this includes the textual material that they read. The presentation of textual material can be considered from two points of view: (1) the qualities of the text as impacted by the author; and (2) the…

Addresses that distinctive contribution of English to the development of students' literate capabilities as they progress through the years of schooling. Develops a framework for thinking about the nature of knowledges and the repertoires of literate practice made available to students of the English classroom. Explains different understandings…

The majority of current college freshmen see no place in their lives for reading as an opportunity for intellectual or emotional enjoyment. They read only the most utilitarian texts--appliance instructions or road signs, for example. A teacher cannot "make" students read anything, but he or she can help them find ways to like reading;…