Learning occurs when students engage in discursive processes that include actively considering the comments and perspectives of others, allowing for interpretation and explanation of the topics being discussed (Gillies). Teachers should "resist the urge to turn close reading into an independent activity. The point of close reading is to…

Essential Questions (EQs) are familiar landmarks in the national teaching landscape, applied across varied disciplines and diverse classrooms. They provide frameworks for collaborative team curriculum creation; yet, controversy around such questions arises because of several factors. In this article, the author proposes five recommendations for…

During the last several years as a teacher educator mentoring new teachers, the author has worked on two programs of research that included ways of focusing early-career teachers on students and their learning. These research programs shed light on needs of new teachers and ways mentor questioning and processes of classroom inquiry can have an…

Ken Donelson looks back on two classes that taught him that students are willing to share ideas when teachers are honest and reveal their biases and when classroom experiences are based on trust. Additionally, he recalls how important free reading and thematic units became to inciting authentic student responses to literature.

Pamela K. Coke observes two high school English teachers who carry out practical assessments that supply them with an understanding of student achievement. The strategies used, such as Socratic seminar, book club meetings, and sticky notes, provide constructive information about what students are able to do and help identify ways such practices…

Encourages teachers to try to introduce a new novel or two into their curriculum. Gives four specific ways that teachers can relieve pressure on themselves as they prepare to work with a new novel and four specific ways to prepare for introducing a new novel. Provides approaches to introductory activities in the classroom. (TB)

Lists 16 questions for eliciting student writing. (JT)

Describes how nondirective questioning of students about poems they have read can help them to personally experience the poems. (DD)

Describes several techniques to facilitate high school class discussions, including allowing "wait time" for reflection before calling on students, keeping a record of who speaks, and planning for closure. (MM)

Relates the story of a classroom experience that serves to show what is meant by both primary and secondary acts of reading. Argues that teaching the poem at the point of utterance makes it clear that the poem is not simply an occasion for a set of questions to which students must supply answers. (JD)

Describes questioning techniques and other approaches that stimulate class discussion and lead to better student writing. (DD)

Being aware of and using factual, conceptual and contextual questions is vital to the teaching-learning experience. (JH)

Having writers ask questions about their own papers promotes commitment to the revising and proofreading process. Students can ask teachers or peers the following: (1) What do you like about my paper? (2) What questions do you have about my paper? (3) What kinds of polishing does my paper need? (RL)