In this article we introduce a heuristic for orientating to the language content of the Australian Curriculum: English. Our pedagogical heuristic, called "Playing with Grammar", moves through three separate but interwoven stages: (i) an introduction to the learning experience, (ii) a focus on learning, and (iii) an application of new…

This article explores one teacher-researcher's consideration of how the 50-year anniversary of the Dartmouth Seminar continues to influence and hold relevance for the teaching of English in Australian secondary schools. Particular attention is paid to the influence of John Dixon and the Personal Growth model of English. The author, an early career…

Differentiating writing instruction has been a puzzling matter for English teachers when it comes to teaching creative writing to high potential and high performing (HPHP) students. The lack of differentiation in creative writing pedagogy for HPHP students in Australia is due to two major issues: (1) teachers' lack of high-level linguistic and…

At a time when political leaders and media pundits seek to narrow the English curriculum and reduce its knowledge structure to the "basics," it is helpful to revisit the potential of different approaches to learning in English that have evolved over time. In this paper I reflect on the semantic features of personal growth, cultural…

Argues that a valid model for writing good literature must stress the importance of imagination and provides samples from serveral writers to buttress the point. (RB)

Suggests that a problem with the use of materials and methods devised for use with John Dixon's growth English'' is the temptation, under the stress of large classes and overcrowded timetables, to use it for class lessons along traditional lines. (Author)

Describes a teacher's use of videotape of a series of lessons to show that setting and negotiating assessment criteria with students was good practice. Discusses guidelines for enhancing standards of good teaching practice. Highlights this visual case model in the hope that colleagues will see its merits as a vehicle for articulating teaching…

A detailed teaching model designed to develop effective reading skills in content areas (ERICA) is presented in this document. The paper begins with a discussion of the four stages of the ERICA model: (1) preparing for reading, (2) thinking through information, (3) extracting and organizing information, and (4) translating information. The paper…