English Journal, Vol. 85, No. 7, November 1996

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: The Great Debate (Again):Teaching Grammar and Usage

• Letters - EJ

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• From the Editor

  Leila Christenbury

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• One Person's Opinion: Blinded by the Light

  Andrea Fishman

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Teaching Grammar in the Context of Writing

  Constance Weaver

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  Abstract: Constance Weaver speaks to NCTE’s position on the teaching of grammar and gives some research background for this position in “Teaching Grammar in the Context of Writing.”

  Keywords: Language, Pedagogy, Research, Writing, Secondary

• Rhetorical Grammar: A Modification Lesson

  Martha Kolln

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  Abstract: Martha Kolln’s “Rhetorical Grammar: A Modification Lesson” from the November 1996 issue of English Journal not only defines the rhetorical grammar as opposed to prescriptive grammar but also gives some history on why the benefits of teaching grammar have been so misunderstood.

  Keywords: Language, Pedagogy, Research, Writing, Secondary

• On Not Teaching Grammar

  Ed Vavra

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  Abstract: In “On Not Teaching Grammar,” Ed Vavra distinguishes between usage and syntax and addresses the question, “To teach or not to teach grammar and how?”

  Keywords: Language, Pedagogy, Writing, Secondary

• What English Teachers Need to Know about Grammar

  William Murdick

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  Abstract: William Murdick tells us “What English Teachers Need to Know about Grammar” in his article by the same title.

  Keywords: Language, Pedagogy, Writing, Secondary

• Taking the G-r-r-r Out of Grammar

  Stephen Tchudi and Lee Thomas

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  Abstract: Grammar is a grizzly topic for students and teachers alike. Stephen Tchudi’s and Lee Thomas’ article “Taking the G-r-r-r Out of Grammar” gives some pointers on helpful (and painless) ways of teaching grammar as descriptive rather than prescriptive. Traditional and transformational grammar are discussed along with how grammar might be applied to literature, dialects, second language learners.

  Keywords: Language, Pedagogy, Writing, Secondary

• The Role of Generalization in Studying Grammar and Usage

  Bill Gribbin

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  Abstract: In “The Role of Generalization in Studying Grammar and Usage,” Bill Gribbin provides a conceptual framework to guide teachers “explorations into language with their students.” He focuses on the differences between the unconscious knowledge of language all speakers possess, the conscious knowledge of language that the teaching of grammar is supposed to provide, and “linguistic etiquette,” which is more aptly called usage, and how our students can be happily engaged in noticing and recording these differences as a way to learn grammar.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Grammar for Social Awareness in Time of Class Warfare

  James Sledd

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  Abstract: James Sledd’s “Grammar for Social Awareness in Time of Class Warfare,” poses and answers some questions about grammar and how and why to teach it in today’s world and to today’s students.

  Keywords: Language, Pedagogy, Writing, Secondary

• Why Debates about Teaching Grammar and Usage “Tweak” Me Out

  John A. Skretta

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  Abstract: “Why Debates about Teaching Grammar and Usage “Tweak” Me Out” is John A Skretta’s argument for believing in our real students’ grammatical competence as the first step toward re-visioning how we teach grammar.

  Keywords: Language, Pedagogy, Writing, Secondary

• Grammar Instruction: What Teachers Say

  Brenda Arnett Petruzzella

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  Abstract: In “Grammar Instruction: What Teachers Say” by Brenda Arnett Petruzzella, teachers tell how they teach grammar as a part of teaching writing, as mechanics and usage rather than a way to describe the structure of our language.

  Keywords: Language, Pedagogy, Writing, Secondary

• Grammar, According to Students and Teacher

  Carolyn Tuten Ross

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Bundrens, Faulkner, and Grammar

  Stephen B. Heller

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  Abstract: Using Faulkner’s famous novel, the author spoofs grammar.

  Keywords: Language, Secondary

• Never Say Never: Teaching Grammar and Usage

  Peter Brodie

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  Abstract: The author provides a whimsical look at issues of language right and wrong.

  Keywords: Language, Secondary

• Pronouns Are Highly Personal

  Richard K. Redfern

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  Abstract: The author explains why people say for she and I—and argues it’s correct.

  Keywords: Language, Secondary

• Of Fake Verbs and Kid Words: Developing a Useful Grammar

  Rhoda Byler Yoder

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  Abstract: Rhoda Byler Yoder’s “Of Fake Verbs and Kid Words: Developing a Useful Grammar” gives useful exercises for teaching grammar (without the worksheets or grammar book exercises) along with a detailed description of how to teach “useful grammar.”

  Keywords: Language, Pedagogy, Writing, Secondary

• What Part of Speech Is O. J. Simpson?: Teaching Grammar and Style through the News

  Sharon Kane

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  Abstract: Sharon Kane’s “What Part of Speech Is O.J. Simpson?: Teaching Grammar and Style through the News” shows us how to use news stories to teach grammar and usage in context.

  Keywords: Language, Pedagogy, Writing, Secondary

• Watch Your Language: Teaching Standard Usage to Resistant and Reluctant Learners

  Mark Larson

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  Abstract: “Watch Your Language: Teaching Standard Usage to Resistant and Reluctant Learners” by Mark Larson talks about the real issues in trying to teach Standard American English to resistant and reluctant learners and suggests ways to gently tackle the “hurdles” of this task.

  Keywords: Language, Pedagogy, Writing, Secondary

• The Great Debate: Teaching Grammar and Usage

  Carol A. Rose

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  Abstract: A Business English teacher discusses how she teaches grammar and usage.

  Keywords: Language, Secondary

• Correct Grammar So Essential to Effective Writing Can Be Taught-Really

  Alvin R. Brown

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  Abstract: Alvin R. Brown’s “Correct Grammar So Essential to Effective Writing Can Be Taught—Really!” suggests ways, even humorous ways, of teaching grammar and usage.

  Keywords: Language, Secondary

• A New Grammar That Has Clearly Improved Writing

  Anthony D. Hunter

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  Abstract: In “A New Grammar That Has Clearly Improved Writing,” Anthony D. Hunter sites a study that supports “the teaching of grammar as an aid to composition” in his Sentence Sense program and contests much other research that refutes the validity of teaching grammar as an aid to composition.

  Keywords: Language, Pedagogy, Research, Writing, Secondary

• Grammar in a Nutshell

  Diana Purser

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  Abstract: Diana Purser’s “Grammar in a Nutshell” is not only all-you-need-to-know about grammar in one chart but also a collection of activities for teaching grammar as part of the editing process in writing.

  Keywords: Language, Pedagogy, Writing, Secondary

• Rainbow Teachers/Rainbow Students: New Worlds, Old Wisdom

  MaryCarmen Cruz and Ogle Burks Duff

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Teaching Ideas: Approaching Traditional Literature in Non-Traditional Ways

  Diana Mitchell

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  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Resources and Reviews: A Love of Reading

  Donald R. Gallo

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  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Young Adult Literature: 1995 Honor Listing: Can Less Be More

  Alleen Pace Nilsen and Kenneth L. Donelson

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Coming to Terms: The Vocabulary of English Punctuation

  Leah A. Zuidema

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Bedside Table: Beyond the Dead Sea Scrolls

  Rosemary Laughlin

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• This World of English: Literacy Through Sports

  Daniel A. Heller

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  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

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