Since "English Journal's" (EJ's) founding in 1912, contributors have asked how literature shapes students' ethics, or morals. Ethics, on this account, is about people's ways of imagining and leading good lives. EJ authors explore how reading literature can help students see themselves and the wider world in light of visions of the good…

One of the best methods in the English language arts classroom is to educate students through the world of stories. The beauty of storytelling is that it often has a more powerful impact on young adults than a didactic lecture or a textbook chapter. Many times students would say that they internalize a message much more willingly through reading a…

Reviews research in the teaching of writing, suggests appropriate ways to teach writing, and concludes that the most important thing for writing teachers to do is to find pleasure in writing themselves. (DD)

This column shares innovative lesson ideas grounded in current literature or action research. Two books are discussed: Lesley Atwater Kahle's book "Cut Word Story," which allows students to become individually engrossed in words and grammar within stories that they create; and Anete Vasquez's "Literary Analysis 101", which gives teachers a simple,…

Points out the disadvantages and limitations of grading all student writing. Offers alternative methods of giving students meaningful feedback about their writing. (RL)

Shows how Tim Gallwey's psychological approach to the game of tennis can be readily applied to the art of writing. (RL)

Summarizes recent research and theory on or related to the composing process to arrive at a general model or structure for the teaching of writing in secondary schools. (DD)

Discusses the composing processes of speakers of English as a Second Language (ESL), and suggests teaching strategies to be used with ESL writers. (MM)

Reviews the literature on teacher-researchers published in "English Journal" since 1974--a total of 31 citations. (NKA)

Discusses four stages through which writers pass during prewriting. Offers ways of helping students pass through these stages so that they can begin to organize their writing more effectively. (RL)

Considers the reasons for making the rhetorical choices that constitute a writer's "voice." Examines teaching models that help students learn how to influence meaning through the rhetorical choices they make. (RL)

Reports on writing research about revision. Notes the implications of this writing research for classroom applications. (RL)

Discusses reasons for keeping film study in the English curriculum. Offers resources for film study and lists some short films that can be used in class. (RL)

Considers the historical perspectives of teaching English to students in technical and vocational education programs. Provides ideas and resources for engaging such students in English study. (JT)

Reviews writing research and practice to formulate directions for developing student writing processes. (RL)