Describes how students working in small, cooperative learning can effectively explore the issue of gender communication. Emphasizes that cooperative small groups--along with guidance in discussion, materials, writings, and projects--provide students an opportunity to view gender issues as thought-provoking and exciting. (MM)

Describes a sequence of writing and evaluation exercises that provides students with an authentic writing task and places it within a social context that is ideal for the process-writing classroom. Notes that this method provides a supportive and gradual introduction to peer evaluation for both teachers and students. (MM)

Discusses potential problems with collaborative learning, noting hat it is often treated as a tool of limited application. Encourages teachers to incorporate playful student collaboration into their classrooms. Argues that by broadening collaboration beyond student response and using it to search and question, students will develop a sense of…

Discusses how computerized databases (collected information arranged in categories) can be used successfully in the language arts classroom. (MM)

Describes several assignments and activities that focus on writing for "real-world" purposes, including writing to pen pals, government agencies, and for children or the elderly. (MM)

Reviews two videocassettes focusing on modern American poetry: "Moyers: The Power of the Word" and "Voices and Visions." (MM)

Describes various magazine columns or syndicated newspaper columns which engage secondary school students as thinkers and writers. (MM)

Describes writing assignments in which students in Pennsylvania, Montana, and South Dakota exchanged writing on BreadNet, an electronic network. Notes that as students wrote within a meaningful and purposeful communication context, they learned to test their stereotypes, to expand their writing skills, and to perceive the computer as an instrument…

Defines the boundaries between "realist" literature and science fiction and fantasy. Describes science fiction writing assignments. Mentions science fiction and fantasy books suitable for the uninitiated reader. (RS)

Addresses two misunderstandings about science fiction and fantasy: that fantastic literature is not serious; and that modern scientific civilization neither has nor needs mythology. Argues that values can be transmitted through science fiction and fantasy, which are modern-day forms of mythology. (RS)

Describes how a nine-week mini-course in science fiction and fantasy stimulated students to think critically and creatively and to make connections across disciplines. Notes that the mini-course was replaced by a required survey of the British classics, sacrificing critical literacy for cultural literacy. (RS)

Reviews the 200-year-old tradition of women science fiction authors. Discusses the benefits of teaching science fiction written by women. Describes 5 science fiction short stories and 5 science fiction novels suitable for high school students. (RS)

Argues that Fritz Lang's film "Metropolis" deserves exploration and analysis because of its outlandish plot, dazzling visual and technical elements, and its reflection of the closing days of Weimar Germany. Presents a brief study guide designed to stimulate student curiosity and facilitate further interest in the film. (RS)

Describes a class activity in which students receive copies of requests for charitable contributions, research the charities and issues, write a persuasive appeal for the charities, and debate the merits of the various causes examined by the class. Argues that students learn to analyze persuasive appeals, separate emotional from factual arguments,…

Describes a class activity in which students gathered pictures and wrote and recorded narration relating to the first successful flight by the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Notes that, in the process of gathering pictures, the students were motivated to read the information accompanying the pictures. (RS)