Intended to help English teachers make informed decisions about the use of computers in their classrooms, the chapters in this book consider: (1) "computer basics" (defining "hardware" and "software" and the various capabilities of both); (2) the various instructional strategies available via computers; (3) examples of software reflecting these…

Reports on ERIC documents that review research on spelling and that suggest practical activities for spelling instruction. (HOD)

Examines the categories of articles in the ERIC database that provide information about using literature across the curriculum. (MG)

Defines semiotics and outlines its implications for teaching language arts. (PRA)

Intended for administrators and policymakers as well as teachers, this digest explores researchers' current understanding of English spelling and its acquisition as the basis for spelling instruction methods other than memorization. After defining spelling and the relationship between spoken English and its written system, the digest explores how…

This digest discusses the different dialects children bring to the school environment and how U.S. schools deal with these differences. Reference is made to the Ann Arbor (Michigan) case in which a group of African-American parents sued the local school system on behalf of their children, claiming the school was denying their children equal…

Intended for administrators and policy makers as well as teachers, this digest offers selection strategies for consumers of English/language arts computer software. Following the introduction, the digest discusses initial considerations when evaluating software, including examining both the accompanying documentation and the actual program. It…

Examines materials in the ERIC database that deal with the use of creative drama as a language arts teaching tool. Discusses the nature of creative drama and activities for the classroom. (HTH)

Intended for teachers, this digest shows that the computer can offer many efficient tools for expression, student control of writing, and instruction beyond the grammar and spelling drills most commonly associated with computers. The digest discusses the goals of the language arts curriculum, the role of the computer in the language arts…

Literature on classroom drama suggests that there is considerable untapped potential for using drama as a teaching method in the English classroom. Studies have shown that high school students using dramatic enactment experienced more instances of higher order thinking, more topic-specific emotions, decreased apprehension, and less…

Examines materials in the ERIC database on the Suggestopedia method of instruction which bypasses the mind's barriers to learning and increases learning and retention. (HTH)

The purpose of this Digest is to explore the evidence suggesting the effectiveness of literacy instruction through communicative and visual arts. It discusses the communicative and visual arts in literacy instruction; television and multiple media as instructional tools; using dramatic activities in language arts classrooms; and teaching language…

Notes that performance and portfolio assessment are being used more widely and have gained acceptance as "good" assessment. Presents annotations of eight conference papers and other materials in the ERIC database concerning authentic literacy assessment. (RS)

Intended for administrators and policymakers as well as teachers, this digest provides a rationale for an integrated language arts curriculum. The digest first defines integrating the language arts curriculum as providing natural learning situations in which reading, writing, speaking, and listening can be developed together for real purposes and…

Provides abstracts of documents reporting computer applications in reading and language arts that have been entered in the ERIC system. (CRH)