Addresses the relationships of qualitative researchers to the policy-making process. Uses the example of the Reading Excellence Act to demonstrate that qualitative researchers have many points of access to the policy-making process. Suggests qualitative researchers must provide relevant information, communicate in a straightforward manner,…

Presents one teacher's reflections on the interaction of the terrorist attacks with her personal and pedagogical value systems. Challenges teachers to reassess their priorities in light of historical events that have forced their way into the classroom. Considers the role of time and place in the practice of teaching. (SG)

Notes that sociocultural theory establishes that understanding the concepts that govern discussion in particular contexts is crucial. Considers which different instructional arrangements might affect students' conceptions. Asks students to write about the discussions they had during a unit on contemporary poetry. Varies the format of the…

Describes an approach to assisting seventh-grade students' comprehension of individual texts with a Scaffolded Reading Experience (SRE). Includes an outline of the scaffolded reading experience. Describes a classroom study of the effect of using SREs. Finds SREs can increase students' comprehension of short stories. (SG)

Notes that the REAP system (Read, Encode, Annotate, Ponder) improves reading, writing, and thinking. Describes how the "i" in iREAP represents its currency and connection to Internet community building. Presents applications to help students internalize REAP "spectrum thinking," or thinking from different perspectives, so that it becomes a habit…

Outlines the distinctive features of a small-scale literacy program offered to urban Aboriginal school students, which was premised on understandings of critical multi-literacies and explored through technological environments and texts. Argues for literacy programs to address critical practices that interrogate texts across multiple texts and…

Presents a word-game strategy that builds vocabulary and comprehension while motivating students. Concludes that activities like Flip-a-Chip (along with crossword puzzles and other forms of wordplay) have helped the author create a pleasantly literate environment in her classroom. (SG)

Analyzes popular culture as it relates to the expression of universal human values, namely the desire and struggle for freedom from tyranny and oppression. Examines popular culture as the everyday social experience of marginalized students as they confront, make sense of, and contend with social institutions such as schools, the mass media,…

Uses a fictional case to illustrate the complexity of politics in the literacy field. Describes how the fictional teacher educator is caught between her own ethics and the prevailing trends. Hopes that readers allow the mix of drama, fiction, and nonfiction to provoke reflection around matters of the educator's role in and support for literacy…

Analyzes students enrolled in a college developmental reading class and their use of critical literacy techniques to improve reading and writing skills. Considers three areas of students' progress: reading and writing connections, language and vocabulary, and purposes for reading. Stresses the importance of introduction and mastery of these areas…

Presents a graduate student's reflective memoir of literacy practices experienced as a college student in South Korea. Considers how literacy can be a sociopolitical practice that struggles to free all people, including the oppressors. Rethinks literacy practices in relation to recent historical events--the reunion and rebuilding of family…

Discovers two alternative teen magazines: "Teen Voices" and "Reluctant Hero." Shares her discussions she had with the editors of the magazines. Offers a reflective comment on conceptions of identity in these and other teen magazines. (SG)

Reports on an investigation of what may appear at first to be an arcane topic--the internationalization of domain names on the Internet. Concludes that expanding domain names internationally poses challenges to the inherent open structure of the Internet; to its ease of use for those accustomed to Latin-alphabet-only domain names; and to corporate…

Investigates the use of literature as a context for teaching unfamiliar vocabulary to high school students. Compares two methods of instruction. Suggests taking a mediational approach to analyzing the vocabulary teaching problems identified. Illustrates how the knowledge gained through this action research study reshaped the teacher's classroom…

Notes how the author has developed the Teaching and Learning Cues (TLC) approach, an offspring of textbook organizational patterns instruction that stresses the significance of certain words and phrases in reading. Concludes that with the TLC approach, students learn to appreciate the important role cue words and phrases play in understanding…