Through a three-part method (class presentation, quiz, and written summary), reading texts can be used to promote conversational and writing skills as well as reading. Variations on traditional techniques of oral presentation and written summary provide a basis for student dialog, an individualized approach to grammar review, and language…

Demonstrates ways the sentence combining technique can play a significant role in developing the writing skill, in making students more aware of their creative ability, and in heightening their sense of stylistic preferences. A range of combining exercises using Italian as the model language are provided. (Author/AMH)

Suggests ways in which principles of courtroom rhetoric can be used to increase students' skills in the invention, organization, and expression of arguments. Explains how fictional legal cases can serve as exercises in argumentation for college composition cases. Additional legal case assignments are appended. (HTH)

The evolution of the idea of "civilization" applied to language teaching is viewed as tied to different conceptions of language underlying the last 50 years' instruction. Three questions are addressed: What are the traits of each? How do language and civilization respond to these notions? Where does this concept stand today? (MSE)

Outlines learning activities related to law-related education at the elementary school level. Activities include creating a classroom constitution, a law-related scavenger hunt, and case studies. Learning outcomes and curriculum correlation are included in directions. (KC)

Introduces documentation and presentation guidelines of the Society for Research into Higher Education (SRHE) for authors of games, simulations, and other activities suitable for an organizer or facilitator to adopt or adapt for courses or workshops. (Author/LLS)

A description of a course in French composition at the University of Essex, which is based on "Exercices de style, " by R. Queneau. The course consists of writing variations of a single model story or paragraph. Six variations are presented and discussed to clarify the method. (AMH)

Presents four teaching ideas: (1) a writing activity for Level II based on photos and slides; (2) an exercise for Level II in organizing information preparatory to essay-writing; (3) an activity in grammar and creative writing for adults on an advanced level; and (4) a lesson for beginners using advertisements. (AMH)

Two teachers point out the misuse and the benefits of student journal writing in English classes. (RL)

The author explains her practice of requiring each of her students to write her a weekly letter, which she answers. These private correspondences help her to understand the individuals in her class and give the students practice in letter writing. (SJL)

The author suggests that the common core of career education and consumer education is the emphasis on practical, real-life skills, with a focus on self-understanding and self-oriented decision making. Presented are activities and projects which enhance awareness of the importance of these skills. (KC)

Describes a step-by-step approach to teaching composition students how to take notes for research papers. (HTH)

Describes the results of a national search for K-12 programs and classroom activities effective in combatting stereotypes. Provides an overview of the major classes of stereotypes, presents basic data on the programs identified in the national search, and offers some suggestions for practice. (CT)

The opportunities for real language use in creating a slide show in the language class are described. Fifteen steps for replicating the project are included. Students choose the topic, develop the story line, create the dialogue, take the photographs, write the script, and act the roles. (PMJ)

The effects of a classroom program designed to improve 109 fifth- and sixth-grade students' attitudes toward blind peers are examined. The results indicated that children who received the lessons had better feelings about blind children but were less inclined to engage in activities with them than those who received no lessons. (Author/PHR)