Describes a program for teaching college writing in which students analyze their own videotaped speeches as a class in order to become more aware of the composition process. Argues that the emphasis on audience feedback enhances revision, persuasion, and reader orientation and makes concepts of English composition more concrete. (JG)

Describes a teacher's experience teaching sixth grade drama in Britain, where drama is viewed as distinct from literature and stresses role playing. Outlines particular improvisation activities, scriptwriting projects, approaches to class discussion, and the use of dramatic activities to teach other subjects. (JG)

Describes various activities designed for use in the reading classroom, including (1) cooperative learning activities; (2) reading and writing activities; (3) ways to improve comprehension; and (4) ways to encourage independent reading. (FL)

The article presents a rationale for merging special and regular education in elementary/secondary schools. Steps that higher education could initiate to facilitate such a merger include: strengthening collaborative and cooperative efforts, restructuring organizational units, reorganizing program offerings and content, and coordinating with state…

Four contributors discuss methods of integrating speech communication instruction with English and writing instruction. (SRT)

Discusses the need to integrate teaching civilization with modern language teaching. The term civilization, as it applies to language teaching, is defined. How civilization is taught in the language classroom and how this teaching can be improved is also discussed. (SED)

Addresses the question of understanding a foreign culture and its link with vocabulary acquisition in the second-language classroom. Problems in current research and classroom practice are examined. A synthetic approach to culture and vocabulary through modification of a notional/functional syllabus is proposed as a solution to the problems. (SED)

Describes ERIC materials that include a range of exercises involving photography, adaptable for most age groups, linking both reading and writing. (HOD)

Describes a New York City program in which reading and social studies teachers work together to improve students' language abilities while they learn the required course content. Credits an inservice program with paving the way for the cooperative effort. (FL)

Demonstrates the interrelationship of the language arts--talking, listening, reading, and writing--as children explore and respond to the meaning in books. Notes that observing and listening in classrooms is a powerful tool for teachers seeking to assess children's learning. Shows how talking about books contributes to children's learning. (HTH)

Based on analyses and recommendations reported in School Improvement Planning: What's Missing?, the present report proposes ways to (a) reorganize school improvement guidance and (b) expand standards and accountability to encompass a component to address barriers to learning and teaching. In doing so, the work highlights the need and a focus for…

This digest discusses how educators can integrate arts into gifted education and provides examples of activities that integrate the arts with language arts, social studies, and mathematic and science curricula. Examples include: (1) let students draw, sketch, or paint when reading a story; (2) stimulate analytical thinking and imaginative…

This research brief answers questions about the in-service training of teachers to use educational technology and offers models of exemplary programs in practice. Only 5% of the teaching force can be considered exemplary technology users, and it is recognized that becoming an accomplished integrator of technology into instruction is a complex and…

This guide, designed for use in upper elementary and junior high classrooms focuses on literary works by authors Cynthia Voigt, Elizabeth George Spear, Katherine Paterson, and Marguerite Henry, as a means of developing map skills and exploring the roads, towns, homes, landscapes, and eras of the authors. The geographic setting of each story is…

Decentralization is no longer the dominant reform strategy in the Chicago (Illinois) Public Schools. The Chicago School Reform Amendatory Act of 1995 redesigns the school governance arrangement so that power and authority are now integrated among city officials, school boards, local school councils, and a Chief Executive Officer. To examine how…