Considers the issue of literary canons, raised in the context of a week-long series of lectures and discussions on "the Victorians" in an Elderhostel program, with participants for whom these texts were the product of their parents' generation and of their own childhood reading. Raises substantive questions about the meaning of a…

Examines the history and psychology of adolescence, and of the adolescent and reading. Reviews research done by Victor Nell, who looks at the characteristics of the dedicated and absorbed reader. Asserts that teachers can benefit from an understanding of the psychology of teaching literature to adolescents. (MG)

Argues that most pupils need some help as the reading curriculum widens to include books of varied linguistic complexity. Maintains that increasing awareness of the register patterning of different genres is a basis for continued teaching of reading across the curriculum throughout pupils' school careers. (RS)

Interviews Dr. Ramon Ross of San Diego State University, an experienced author and teacher. Discusses the relationship between writing and literature, and suggests techniques for using the two in harmony. (SR)

Discusses three aspects of reading (inferring, reasoning analogically, and learning). Demonstrates in sample texts their role in building consensual meaning in persuasive business communications. Proposes four guidelines to supplement guidelines already developed. (SR)

Presents a program that encourages struggling adolescent readers in a special education classroom to engage in the narrative mode of thinking when reading and interpreting texts. Notes that the results are promising, and there are implications for helping preservice teachers develop an awareness of narrative thinking. (SG)

Suggests that using K-W-L as an active learning strategy in a traditional lecture classroom setting can facilitate interaction between professor, students and subject matter. Considers how this method fosters a sense of community between professor, the discipline, and students even in large classes. Concludes that one of the advantages of active…

Explores the multidimensional nature of learning from text through a discussion of the critical variables of students' knowledge, interest, and use of strategies. Examines the developmental nature of learning from text as students journey through school from acclimation to competence, and finally to expertise in a subject area. Suggests…

Discusses what usability is and how to test for it. Offers nine suggestions for technical communicators working on usability testing. (SR)

The factors which have a major impact on the success in producing effective readable text in both the content as well as to the way it is presented are outlined. A discussion of the objectives of the learner and the characteristics of the text that facilitate student learning is presented. (KR)

Offers five "images" (personal recollections) of reader response in the life of the author/educator. Suggests that while each image offers insight into the nature of response, each still supports the need for initial personal connections to the text whether the ultimate goal is motivating readers, enhancing reading ability, or creating…

This extensive review of research on the development of print materials covers text readability, structure of the prose, and organizational and format features of the text. Practical guidelines for developing textual materials that can be supported by empirical research are also presented. Conclusions are then drawn from the literature, and areas…

Calls for a curriculum which uses the plays of Shakespeare to teach human values. Suggests that attention to certain moments within Shakespeare's plays may enhance or refine the understanding of moral qualities. Acknowledges that some critics would deny that those values are universal or eternal. (SG)

Considers the role of the "white ground" in English studies at a critical period, the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the discipline, along with the rest of the academy and country, struggled mightily with issues of race. Describes the author's interest in constructing a narrative about the relationships between discourse and identity…

Describes the importance of understanding that engaged readers can make commitments or promises to understand other readers' perspectives of a text and their interests in using it. Describes how the author's demonstration lesson to a group of Kazakstan educators was transformed into a site for exploring the educators' practices for using a…