In a self-study the main author examines the difficulties and challenges his students experience in their literary development. The central question is: How can my teaching support students in their literary development? This self-study is supported by a research group, examining together one literature lesson given by the main author, striving…

Argues that the area in which the artistic development of young children can be helped immediately, without awaiting teacher retraining in the various arts, is story telling: if children are continually asked to tell stories, and if delight is shown in their stories, then the stories improve; eventually children want to write them down. (Author/JM)

Noting that many elementary schools are introducing personal development programs into the curriculum, this newsletter focuses on a number of issues related to such programs. Various sections of the newsletter (1) define personal development for both teachers and parents; (2) present practical ideas and teaching strategies for programs in two…

Techniques for managing college classroom discussions about cultural diversity and oppression are offered, using a model of social identity development that helps to understand student responses and classroom dynamics. The model posits five stages of social identity development experienced by individuals in both disadvantaged and advantaged…

This ERIC Digest delineates problems posed by the increasing number of language-minority children in schools and offers suggestions for teaching children from different cultures. It is maintained that a group's language reflects its culture, and the uses to which that language is put are culturally determined. When children and adults do not share…

Interactive drama, a simplified form of drama, is a vehicle through which children can become involved with literature. When preservice teachers are presented with interactive drama in a college setting, it serves as an introduction to the simple, effective learning experiences available through informal drama activities. In an interactive drama,…

Current literature on writing instruction focuses on the writing conference, which accompanies a shift in emphasis from product to process and potentially transforms the teacher's role from task master and evaluator to respondent, opening the door to greater peer interaction in literacy learning. However desirable this ideal may be, extant…

This guide, one of a series designed to aid the social studies teacher, discusses the importance of a class study, offers suggestions for collecting information, a convenient form for recording the data, and suggestions for its analysis and use. The class study plan is presented in two parts: a study and composite picture of individuals of the…

This volume contains the following papers: (1) "Linguistics, TESOL, and Bilingual Education: An Overview," by J.E. Alatis; (2) "TESOL: Meeting a Social Need," by M. Galvan; (3) "Bilingual Education, TESL, and Ethnicity in New York State," by E.B. Nyquist; (4) "Control, Initiative, and the Whole Learner," by…