Argues that zines (short for "fanzines": small, cheaply produced sheets on a wide range of topics) interest many college students and offer composition classes a number of opportunities. Discusses obtaining zines, using them in the composition classroom, how students respond to zines, producing zines, and how it all comes together. (SR)

A discussion of task-based second-language instruction gives background on the underlying theory for task-based instruction, task characteristics and components, research on task-based instruction (task features, task implementation conditions), measurement issues, selection and presentation of tasks (pre-, during, and post-task phases), and…

Describes how the author uses multimedia resources, in this case video tapes, for two assignments: to teach job interviewing in his undergraduate business communication class; and to teach crisis communication in his graduate level advanced business communication class. (SR)

Presents a case study for use in business communication classes to help students understand and learn both the context and the strategies for communication with business and management. Deals with a situation in which diverse internal groups in a company neither understand nor effectively interact with each other. Includes two assignments. (SR)

States that 1998 marks the 70th anniversary of Wanda Gag's picture book, "Millions of Cats" and that Wanda considered herself an artist rather than a writer of children's books. Recounts events in her early life; discusses why her book became a classic. Lists seven classic elements in the book and seven questions for stimulating student response.…

Notes that an event described in first-person will vary from one told from a third-person point of view or from an omniscient viewpoint. Offers a variety of books written from different viewpoints on the Lewis and Clark expedition (1804-1806). Gives 10 questions for stimulating student response. (PA)

Describes Multiple-User Dungeons (MUDs), multiple-user computer programs that allow participants to interact with others in "real time" exchanges. Discusses their potential in the writing classroom and beyond, and notes their potential for faculty development activities. Offers a list of Internet resources, some actual MUD addresses, and other…

Lists hardware, software, and network connections needed for basic videoconferencing; outlines steps in initiating collaborative videoconferencing projects between students in different schools; and describes a videoconferencing project developed by fourth-grade teachers in two elementary schools in Tampa (Florida). Lists resources for further…

Combines reading workshops and writing workshops with drama to help students understand and develop skill with writing and presentation. Includes four dramatic-writing mini-lessons. (RS)

Discusses extending the "Witch's Hat" technique with the Problem-Solution pattern and the dialog projection technique to help learners comprehend and produce basic narrative discourse in English by developing awareness of the rhetorical structure of stories. Discusses benefits of the combined strategy. (RS)

Describes how a high school English teacher in Toronto took a class for gifted students called "Third World Literature" and reshaped it into a class on "Postcolonial Literature." Discusses students' initial resistance; describes the activities and projects by which students engaged with this literature; and notes their eventual…

Looks at early literature in the United States against discrimination. Describes several books for young people written in the mid 20th-century that deal with discrimination, and discusses several contemporary books. Lists characteristics of discrimination; describes briefly one well-written book for young adults about discrimination; and lists 10…

Students learn about marine food chains, bioaccumulation, the energy pyramid, and potential ocean pollutants and their effects on ocean ecosystems in this activity which involves having students pull drawings of marine organisms which include diatoms, copepods, anchovies, bonito, and killer whale out of a bag, then demonstrating the food chain by…

Discusses an approach for integrating book clubs across middle school subject areas. Describes the major elements of the TAB discussion sequence, explains the procedural elements, and provides classroom examples of work with middle school teachers and students. (JPB)

Argues that a course or unit in crisis management/communication is an excellent way of teaching public relations theory, management concepts, information management, problem solving, and communication management. Identifies course objectives, discusses main topics and student evaluation, and concludes with advice and a list of readings. (SR)