This paper explores criteria for judging teaching effectiveness in the language arts. The author argues that a number of studies have been concerned with viewing pupil-teacher interaction during instruction, but few have focused on this interaction during the teaching and learning of specific language arts lessons. There is a need for establishing…

Developed by the Oregon Elementary English Project for grades three and four, this first of two units on communication systems examines some systems which function without the use of human language, i.e., highway signs, trail signs, railroad signals, and facial expressions and gestures. After having identified concepts about communication systems,…

The uncertainties and issues in our society are not peripheral to but intrinsically a part of English, the author of this paper argues, and more alternatives in English are required to accommodate the diversity of life styles and value systems among students. If the English curriculum cannot grapple with these forces, then it deserves to be…

This special issue of "The English Record" contains 12 articles about the teaching and learning of English at the primary and secondary school levels. The issue includes: "Reading Education in New York State" by E. B. Nyquist; "Writing and Imaginative Writing" by D. J. Casey; "Creativity Theory and Language Arts" by R. P. Smith; "Communication: A…

An anthology of literature on elementary school language arts concepts is presented. Its purpose is to provide specific content that may help prospective and practicing teachers to recognize the role of language content in teaching. The anthology is divided into seven parts. Part One presents a general picture of the language arts curriculum that…

A course which is an investigation and appraisal of prose, poetry, fine arts, and music which reflects the environment's effect on man or man's effect on his environment is presented. Performance objectives include the following: (1) Students will formulate a definition of what constitutes man's environment; (2) Students will examine the reactions…

The underlying premise in this collection of readings is that persuasion exists in all communications. When people interact, persuasion is one of the catalysts--the communicator seeks to alter the probabilities of the receiver's responses in ways the communicator can predict and in ways that permit the communicator to reap rewards from his…

The present work of Stanford University's Institute for Mathematical Studies in the Social Sciences (IMSSS) is based on earlier experience in the design, implementation, and administration of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for deaf students. It is primarily concerned with modifying the mathematics program to make it more appropriate for deaf…

A course designed for the reading and understanding of the newspaper is presented. Included in the content are a study of the structure of the newspaper, styles of writing found in newspapers, a detailed study of a story as it unfolds, and writing assignments using different styles of writing. Objectives include the following: (1) The student will…

The accountability of the English teacher is discussed from the standpoint of who they believe they are accountable to and who is properly accountable to them. The English teacher is said to be accountable to his students, his colleagues within and outside his discipline, to the parents of his students and to the larger local community which…

The purpose of this book is to help students and teachers learn how to explore the art form of film and to help them understand it. Ways of exploring films are suggested in articles such as "Film as Dramatic Literature," and "The New Audience: From Andy Hardy to Arle Guthrie." The book is divided into chapters based on use in the classroom; among…

The English curriculum described in this document emphasizes the use of the following methods for implementing performance objectives: the integrated approach to language arts, the student-centered approach, the activity-oriented approach, the small-group process, the large-group process, and individualized instruction. This document outlines the…

School principals must assume responsibility for initiating inservice education programs to improve reading and language arts teachers' skills and to promote quality education. Discussions provided in this paper focus on the following questions in the development of effective inservice programs: What is the nature and definition of inservice…

A structured language arts program based on children's interests can enrich the learning environment of the open classroom. This program should include both open-ended activities, which are outgrowths of instructional units based on group interest, and directed activities, which include the use of learning stations that teach the basic skills…

The ideas provided in this document may be used in teaching the language arts in elementary and secondary schools. Some of the many ideas focus on hand-made books, psychological logs (journals), dialogue writing, Shakespeare and Dickens study activities, word matching, fairy tales, writing a book, imaginary worlds, magic, sales talk, impromptu…