Describes efforts to convert technical writing paper course material to an online advisory system, "Ganesh Helper." Assesses aspects of use of the new media, logging students' actions and observations while writing a report. Finds that a majority of students surveyed felt the helpviewer easy to use and useful, but most still preferred…

Considers how working with accounts of famous trials can involve students in thinking through and critiquing important techniques of argumentation. Discusses how criticism that can be applied to arguments in criminal proceedings can sometimes be applied to arguments in student essays. Discusses how the author incorporates this into her classroom.…

Notes that incorporating sign language in a diverse curriculum enhances the rate of children's learning, leads to greater motivation for reading, and reaches a broad spectrum of children--some of whom may have had difficulties learning with only visual and auditory approaches. Describes how the author incorporates signing in a kindergarten class.…

Attempts to find a middle ground between the extremes of direct instruction and discovery learning by creating a process that helps young children acquire beginning writing and spelling skills without the "drudgery" associated with drill and practice and the anxiety associated with spelling quizzes. Describes the "Share and Compare" process that…

Notes that in teacher study groups (TSG), teachers meet to converse and to study teaching and learning. Discusses key features of TSGs, TSGs in action, and benefits of TSGs. Suggests that it is important that each teacher begin exploring the topic of interest through his or her best learning mode. (SG)

Describes an effective but new twist on the use of young adult books as bridges to the classics. Considers how "Frankenstein" is a novel written for today. Aims for his students to see that literature can be a way to discuss important issues. Discusses how to bridge Walter Dean Myers' novel "Monster" to…

Describes the activity "Menu Magic!" that helps eighth graders review the power of adjectives. Notes that students "eat up this project" that promises to deliver the opportunity to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate while giving students the chance to work in cooperative groups. Describes and gives examples of the "Menu Magic" project. (SG)

Describes how through a multifaceted heritage project, the author's eighth-grade students discover the magic of traveling with authors into the nooks and crannies of their seminal experiences, write their own budding memoirs, consider their values and beliefs, and compare family members' stories and values to their own. Outlines several elements…

Considers how seeking "hidden meanings," attending to the language in which they are embedded, and sharing that experience with students seems to be a viable way to conceive of the essence of literary study. Describes a writing assignment (a "documented critical paper") based on Joseph Conrad's "Secret Sharer." (SG)

Considers many ways to teach Hemingway's "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber." Explores the ironic implications of Macomber's experience and compares it with the experience of Sammy in another initiation story, John Updike's "A&P." Describes how he leads the discussion about this story, and ends the discussion by…

Distinguishes between intervention as an innovative concept of schooling and remediation as the traditional approach to learning problems. Discusses six characteristics of successful intervention programs for older, struggling students. Presents a theoretical rationale and practical applications for each. Concludes by reviewing the vision of how…

Considers how educators can best prepare their students to meet the demands of test standards without sacrificing what they know to be effective teaching. Provides examples of how addressing the standards improved both the author's teaching and student learning by providing a focus and a challenge that moved her out of her comfort zone. (SG)

Considers how to relate great Shakespearean works to teenagers whose only question is how to get out of "doing" school. Suggests that English teachers need to view technology as a means of collecting information, capturing ideas, and making meaning. Discusses WebQuests, web sites, PowerPoint presentations, software, and tutorials to make…

Suggests that letter writing can provide an especially empowering form of writing practice, as young children send meaningful written messages to one another, classroom mascots, pen pals, family members, and even elected officials. Concludes that the ultimate purpose of reading and writing is meaningful communication, and letter writing provides…

Presents a classroom teacher's reflections on her personal experiences with reading and how she incorporated what she was learning into her teaching. Describes how she reads to renew her spirit, to dispel some of the worry of the school setting, and for new insights and inspiration. (SG)