As the author demonstrates, whenever preservice or beginning teachers observe a veteran teacher in action, the veteran serves as a mentor, in the sense that the experienced teacher is modeling the practices that can influence the newcomer. In this article, the author reminds educators about the importance of formative assessments, not just of the…

Reframing the Great Rubric Debate beyond the taking of sides, Eric D. Turley and Chris W. Gallagher propose a set of questions designed to help educators assess the value of rubrics: (1) What is the tool for?; (2) In what context is it used?; (3) Who decides:; and (4) What ideological agenda drives those decisions? They contend that these four…

This article takes a closer look at teaching in classrooms by reviewing a recent article by Carol Booth Olson and Robert Land, literacy researchers and National Writing Project site directors. In "A Cognitive Strategies Approach to Reading and Writing Instruction for English Language Learners in Secondary School" (EJ776476), Olson and Land report…

Six activities for use in teaching English to middle school students. (DD)

Describes discussion group activities which foster student interaction. (DD)

Describes an educational game which helps students learn about prepositions. (DD)

Describes teaching guides, units, and general discussions of values education. (DD)

The Joker's Wild Game is a form of evaluation that is enjoyable and also allows for student participation. (JH)

The criteria developed by the NCTE Committee on Curriculum Bulletins for the evaluation of reading programs are presented and explained. (JH)

Role playing can be used by English teachers to develop student empathy and student insight into literature characters. (JH)

Involving students in an active study of dialect differences will enhance their own self awareness and their knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity. (JH)

Lists 28 activities that incorporate career awareness into the English class. (DD)

The first in a two-part series, this article presents a brief history of the young adult novel, suggests how to use it in the English classroom, and lists some of its characteristics. (DD)

Urges the inclusion in planning and in-service education programs of effective ways teachers can interact with parents and students to help them understand the English language arts program. (DD)