Describes how an elementary teacher encouraged her students to read novels using cooperative group activities based on popular television shows. Students divided into groups, took different roles, read a novel, and made a presentation to the class. When they finished the novel, they selected a new activity. (SM)

Describes a Learning Activity Portfolio designed to help high school literature students discover and explore the novel "Dracula" by Bram Stoker. (SR)

Studies the relationship between adolescent fiction and nonfiction and the attainment of critical reading skills. Outlines a teaching method focusing on social issues discussed. Outlines the contents of a number of adolescent novels used. Claims that this approach fosters critical reading and thinking skills. (HB)

Examines the romantic characteristics of the typical adolescent. Argues that, given such characteristics, "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley is a logical choice for introducing adolescents to romantic literature. Describes one teacher's approach to teaching the novel and assigning writing tasks for it. (HB)

Describes one Oregon high school's approach to the traditional senior project, including both a speech and a written research document. Outlines the steps by which students carry out the project. Claims that this project is a valuable and culminating educational experience for graduating seniors. (HB)

Provides an account of how one English teacher fosters student appreciation of poetry by using poems dealing consistently with one theme: family relationships. Discusses student response to several poems used, including "A Daughter's House" by Norma Hope Richman. (HB)

Advocates the use by teachers of teaching journals, in which observations, insights, and useful methodologies are written down. Narrates how one teacher became regularly involved in keeping a teaching journal and the rewards of such an activity. Provides excerpts from one journal. (HB)

Math teachers who spend most of their time lecturing at a chalkboard or assigning textbook problems are not reaching many students. To achieve math literacy goals, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics encourages teachers to help students learn to value mathematics, gain confidence in their math abilities, and become good mathematical…

Describes Critical Dialogues, an instructional approach based on the background knowledge and experiences of at-risk middle school students. Critical Dialogues can be used to help teach students the interactive processes vital to learning. Students grasp the importance of using their own knowledge to interpret situations, make decisions, and solve…

Fifty early childhood teachers and 44 mothers of children aged 3 to 5 years were surveyed on their beliefs about listening and methods for encouraging listening in children. Although mothers and teachers held similar views about the components of good listening for children, teachers' educational levels were associated with the nature of their…

Six sixth-grade science textbooks were examined for conceptual structure and readability. Hierarchical concept maps were composed on text segments for chosen topics and maps were scored. Reading analyses were also computed. Two trends were visually but not statistically evident. The Fry readability scores were higher than sixth grade, but no…

Discusses fairness in student evaluation, focusing on art criticism as a metaphor in which the evaluator transforms into something akin to an art critic. The article explains what the art criticism approach looks like in the classroom and describes the process of art criticism (description, analysis, interpretation, judgment). )SM)

Selected resources for community service learning are presented in the following categories: (1) service learning (17 resources); (2) adolescents today (6 resources); (3) interorganizational and community relations (5 resources); and (4) assessment (5 resources). (SLD)

Describes a project in which students write their own notes, postcards, and invitations from storybook characters to other book characters. (SR)

Develops strategies for encouraging students to read a variety of genres and authors. Shows how a program was organized with this end in mind. Discusses what students chose to read and their attitudes and perceptions of their reading and themselves as readers. (HB)