Describes how one foreign language teacher and two English teachers created a program that might work to improve students' control over their language. Combines their collective expertise in teaching languages, studies the research in their surprisingly separate fields, and crosses the gulf between the foreign language and English hallways.…

Notes that as the author explored the reasons behind students' difficulties with organization, coherence, and revision, and as she developed strategies for addressing the root causes, she found she was teaching grammar and not usage. Concludes that care should be taken to align instructional methods with the nature of subject matter. (SG)

Presents an example illustrating how teachers can create reading and writing activities that emphasize how words work through grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and usage. Describes a workshop that highlights a single punctuation mark: the semicolon. Notes that the semicolon defies rigid rules for use and is therefore ideally suited for instruction…

Suggests that the best writing curriculum for second language students is one that balances content and form, that calls for an attention to writing process and to written product, and that draws on knowledge from both teacher and student. Describes the "focus on form" approach the author uses in her mainstream basic writing class, as well as some…

Describes six categories of websites on grammar. Considers the advantages and disadvantages that Internet grammar provides. Presents an annotated list of 15 web sites on grammar. Suggests adopting a positive but cautious approach to grammar on the Internet. Concludes that grammar on the Internet is a potentially helpful resource to use in addition…

Suggests that the current "return" to grammar will fail unless educators can come to terms with definitions of fundamental grammatical concepts. Considers how educators cannot go back to teaching the traditional, because the traditional no longer exists. Argues that pedagogical grammar currently has too many cooks, all trying to prepare the same…

Suggests that educators fundamentally change the way they teach grammar. Offers the author's experience with some curious success with students taking on grammar as part of their writing process, and gives some ideas about starting the teaching of grammar in a radically different place and as a radical agent. Speaks against using student writing…

Focuses on the need to reevaluate the teaching of grammar and mechanics. Examines how to create a meaningful, practical system for teachers and students. Defines "glossing" as a method whereby the student corrects an error identified by the teacher and then states the grammatical rule that applies. Notes that this process allows teachers to assess…

Considers how students encounter problems in their understanding of texts because they have misread or not understood the grammatical context. Describes how the author uses the text itself as the lesson material, adding extra examples as necessary in order to teach grammar. Presents examples of personal experiences from his teaching in which he…

Describes the author's approach to teaching a required course, Applied Linguistics for Teachers of English. Presents 17 "Word Play du Jour" activities that can set the tone for meaningful and engaging lessons about language. Lists activities at the word, sentence, and "whole thing" levels. (SG)

Suggests the use of e-mail in the place of writing comments on individual papers. Notes the importance of using e-mail and the listserv in a student's writing experience. Considers some of the implications for professional benefit by exploring the relationship between online communication and oral discussion and between private and public…

Notes that resources for the King holiday and Black History Month abound, and many Web sites provide interesting information along with reading lists for teachers and students. Discusses about 20 books that the author has read most recently or has found to be worth rereading. (SG)

Outlines educational arguments about attitudes, methods, and accountability. Surveys some teachers to find out how they craft a blending of pedagogical perspectives. Concludes that educators can maintain creativity in the face of demands for standardization of curriculum. (PM)

Details the results of allowing student choice in reading and writing. Contends that introducing choice late in a student's schooling complicates that student's ability to reap the full benefits of autonomy. Concludes that choice as a key component of teaching reading and writing is problematic in a traditional setting filled with prescriptive…

Contends that the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) provides a vital link connecting teachers to the energy and vibrancy of the profession. Explains that NCTE conferences energize young teachers. Notes that veteran teachers find a variety of experiences at each convention. (PM)