This paper examines Block's (2001) claim that whereas the notion of method no longer plays a significant role in the thinking of applied linguists, it still plays a vital role in the thinking of teachers. In order to assess Block's claim, four sources of data on teachers' beliefs were examined--two direct sources of data: (1) interviews with…

Discusses in cost/benefit terms an approach to teaching the sociology of religion which involves students in writing their religious autobiographies. Considers the nature of the assignment, level of methodological sophistication, difficulties in grading, and justification of the exercise. Concludes that the biographical approach has wide…

Describes a writing exercise useful for students who have already shown some facility in writing about personal experiences and that emphasizes the narrowing of scope and time in a reminiscence and developing it with detail in order to make it more interesting for others. (HTH)

Classrooms sensitive to race and caring cannot happen without sensitive teacher preparation. In this essay, the author (an Australian citizen) shares efforts to think about race in the teacher education classroom while disclosing her own difficulties in learning to care for others. Her autobiographical approach inspires students to ponder their…

Each autumn, the author leads a group of teenagers around Walden Pond, once the home of Henry David Thoreau, and proves that a whole curriculum--from history to philosophy to science--can be taught outside of a conventional classroom. The pond--located in Concord, about 20 miles west of Boston--is where Thoreau built his famous cabin and wrote…

The classroom practices discussed in "Effective Second Language Writing" reflect various trends and methodologies; however, the underlying theme in this volume of the Classroom Practice Series is the need for clear and meaningful communication between ESL writers and their readers. While approaches differ, two core beliefs are constant: ESL…

This study examines the use of autoethnography as a teaching method to work with pre-service teachers in an elementary school setting. Focusing on Whiteness and critical race theory as a lens for reviewing their experiences while working with children of color, the author includes her own story of exploring her racism as a classroom teacher, a…

A project involving the use of student autobiographies for a high school course on the psychology of personality is described as appropriate to students interested in learning about themselves. (Author/KM)

Reports on teaching strategies that strengthen students' reading skills in identifying how autobiographical writers signal specific purposes. Notes that students benefit from making stronger links between their reading and writing. (SR)

Autobiographies are useful in teaching middle school reading and writing since middle school students tend to focus on topics about themselves and their place in the world. Autobiographies offer a powerful mechanism for self-reflection. This paper presents activities demonstrating how to use autobiography to motivate students to express their…

"Teaching for Joy and Justice" is the much-anticipated sequel to Linda Christensen's bestselling, "Reading, Writing, and Rising Up." Christensen is recognized as one of the country's finest teachers. Her latest book shows why. Through story upon story, Christensen demonstrates how she draws on students' lives and the world to teach poetry, essay,…

This paper argues that instructors of child development should use literature to supplement theory and research in their courses. It is argued that literature elucidates psychological concepts with real life examples while deepening students' appreciation for the complexity and diversity of human development. Particularly effective in achieving…

The best way to understand and appreciate the forms and structures of autobiography is through the creation of lifewriting stories--memoirs, portraits, reminiscences, anecdotes, family histories, etc., which provide entry points for exploration in life experiences. Lifewriting texts provide the best point of penetration for the developing reader…

This article describes an autobiographical technique of learning wherein students relate psychology course material to their individual thoughts and experiences. (Author)

Offers suggestions for ways to motivate reluctant readers, assign reading autobiographies, and prepare students for the SAT. (AEA)