Describes the methods and means by which composition teachers can successfully create, train, and maintain writing groups (peer response groups, writing circles, or writing workshops) within the English classroom. (HB)

Examines how changes in the view of the universe led to whole-language learning, a collaborative process which considers the social contexts of language. Suggests that whole language is not a teaching method but a belief and discusses how to transform teaching into a learning experience. (SM)

In a response to an article on second-language (L2) composition instruction, it is argued that the disciplines of first-language (L1) and L2 writing instruction are different, the students come with different backgrounds, the teachers are products of disparate disciplines, and each can and should learn from the other. (25 references) (MSE)

Examined the written responses of 13 teachers, who were making the transition toward using a process approach to writing instruction in their classes, to drafts composed by fourth graders. Findings provided information about how the teachers used language and what in the student drafts they focused on in their responses. (BB)

Offers suggestions for using rap lyrics to teach language skills. A brief overview of the sociocultural dimension of rap music and its literature, a theoretical orientation for the instructional methodology, and a curriculum model are presented. The prevalence of these musical forms can make them a valuable aid. (SLD)

The Thematic Unit approach to content-area learning integrates reading, writing, and speaking exercises for learning-disabled students while fostering active and strategic study of the content. Features include use of natural materials, teaching of learning strategies, and emphasis on student decision making and involvement. Guidelines are…

The topic of Presidents and First Ladies provides a thematic approach to the teaching of writing skills and thinking skills in the academic areas of language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. Activities include, among others, creating a graph of Presidential characteristics and creating a play about an event in one President's life.…

This study of third graders examined whether qualitatively distinct cooperative computer environments (using LOGO and curriculum-based instruction in writing) engender social experiences that enhance motivation and self-concepts as learners; and the extent to which differences in motivation and self-perception accounted for differences in…

Ways that a secondary English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teacher can put into practice the principles of the whole-language approach were investigated as part of a larger ethnographic case study of ESL classrooms of Southeast Asian students. The case illustrates the potential of whole language and indicates the need for appropriate reading/writing…

Presents five reading activities: "Building Self-Esteem through Poetry" (Sara Garfield); "Pictures and Poetry" (Stephanie J. Bissell); "Using Caldecott Books" (Merrilyn Bush Norem); "Reading and Writing with Quilting" (Marian Kveton); and "Dramatizations of Fables: Fun for All" (Babette I. King).…

Analyzes how staff at two inservice programs that helped elementary teachers develop constructivist teaching practices construed program subject matter, noting the role they assigned subject matter in helping educators learn to teach. The reformist pedagogy used a principled conception of subject matter. Developing teachers' subject matter…

Describes a successful literacy project involving the teacher, parents, and children in one kindergarten class in a small rural community in New South Wales, Australia. Discusses the classroom setting, teacher's approaches and reading style, introduction of a "writing center," parent involvement, role of the school library and librarian,…

Annotates 146 conference papers, journal articles, and doctoral dissertations from 1989 and 1990 dealing with research in the teaching of English. Includes sections on writing, language, literature, and teacher education. (SR)

Describes home writing activities of six-year-old students in a Massachusetts home-classroom study, noting how parents contributed to writing development. Students received "The Writing Box," filled with writing materials, for use at home and school. The combination of parental support and the Writing Box facilitated children's…

Analyzes discourse features of compositions written in Spanish by secondary school students in Mexico, draws comparisons with those written in English by Anglo-American students in the United States, and discusses the implications of the results for teaching and evaluating composition skills in Spanish language programs. (29 references) (GLR)