Theme and thematic progression (T/TP) is a major aspect of the way that speakers construct their messages in a way which makes them fit smoothly into the unfolding language event. While studies have illustrated the usefulness of observing T/TP to identify English learners' writing difficulties and suggested that T/TP should be included in English…

In a thematic study she calls The Hero's Journey, the author introduces the classical archetype of the hero and the journey of the hero with Homer's "The Odyssey." After all, the wily tactician dreams up the idea for the wooden horse trick, thereby winning the war for the Greeks. He visits hell and, against all odds, makes it back. He defeats the…

"Drama at the Heart of the Secondary School" provides a rationale for the curricular centrality of drama together with rich and detailed examples of cross-phase thematic projects which are drama-led, but which promote learning across a wide range of curriculum areas, from the humanities and other arts, to English and literacy, science and PSHE.…

This innovative guide shows teachers how to transform high-school English students into passionate readers with a trust-based approach that honors both student choice and teacher expertise. The authors begin with a series of reflective invitations to help teachers rediscover trust in themselves and in their students. The book offers methods for…

In this study, I explored the motivation of middle school students participating in online literature circles facilitated by college students, compared to traditional face-to-face literature circles they previously utilized. Sixty-eight rural, middle school students from two English teachers' classrooms took part in two sets of online literature…

Informed by the narrative inquiry approach (Connelly & Clandinin, 1990), this qualitative study examined preservice teachers' narratives to investigate what they think, know, and believe in teaching English learners. Beyond just telling stories, narrative structures and meanings were examined with the goal of gaining insight of the preservice…

This study examines interdisciplinary collaboration between mainstream-English and English-as-a-second-language (ESL) in-service and pre-service teachers enrolled in graduate methods courses in their respective fields. During the semester, TESOL and secondary English Education teacher candidates collaborated to develop young adult literature based…

Recent books about survival in extreme circumstances are discussed. (JH)

Describes and defends a composition course based on a thematic study of the world of work. (DD)

Ideas for a thematic unit on the escape from routine; author lists fiction, poetry, and music which contribute to the travel theme. (Author/SP)

Describes the development and implementation of an English program for mixed-ability students. (FL)

This 9-week course outline (a weekly list of readings) is designed to acquaint students with the chief stories, characters, events, and passages from the Bible which are commonly referred to, alluded to, or used as themes, symbols, or motifs in Western literature. Using "The Bible, Selections from the King James Version for Study as Literature" as…

Points out that there are a number of competing conceptions of what "critical thinking" means. Claims that thematic courses are an excellent way to teach reflective, independent thinking. Outlines how a thematic class might be structured as an ideal situation for developing critical thinking skills. (HB)

Overview of the approach and detailed discussion of a specific theme used in a course for full-time secretarial students. (AA)