Table of Contents
Issue Theme: A Curriculum of Peace
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A Place for Every Student
Sara Dalmas Jonsberg
Abstract:
Sara Dalmas Jonsberg talks about how we can "teach peace with any text" beginning now.
Keywords: Secondary, Media Studies / Journalism, Pedagogy
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Warriors with Words: Toward a Post-Columbine Writing Curriculum
G. Lynn Nelson
Abstract:
Argues that teachers of writing can readily become forces for peace in our schools and, by extension, in society at large. Argues that returning to personal story at the center of the writing curriculum, accompanied by deep listening, will promote peace and well-being, voice and sense of self, and respect and caring as well as powerful literacy in English classrooms.
Keywords: Secondary, Writing
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English in the News
Bobbi Ciriza Houtchens, Editor
Abstract:
Abstract for this article is currently not available.
Keywords: Secondary
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POETRY
William Greenway, Editor
Abstract:
Abstract for this article is currently not available.
Keywords: Secondary
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Talk About Books
John Manear, editor
Abstract:
Abstract for this article is currently not available.
Keywords: Secondary
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The Value of Voice: Promoting Peace through Teaching and Writing
Colleen A. Ruggieri
Abstract:
Describes how and why a high school English teacher changed her classroom to allot more time for creative writing, to teach a research paper from a personal perspective, and to extend student appreciation of voice and conflict beyond the literature studied in class. Describes how this fostered opportunities for individual growth and transformed her classroom.
Keywords: Secondary, Writing
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Peace by Piece: The Freeing Power of Language and Literacy through the Arts
Mary F. Wright and Sandra Kowalczyk
Abstract:
Describes a number of class activities and student projects that the authors have used to teach the language and literature of peace in seventh- and eighth-grade reading and language arts classes, via theme-based units, interdisciplinary projects, and original theatrical student productions that celebrate language and literacy through the arts.
Keywords: Secondary, Literature, Pedagogy, Reading
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Reflecting on Character through Literary Themes
Peter Smagorinsky
Abstract:
Discusses the merits of implementing a character education curriculum through teaching literature according to themes. Argues that a reflective approach, emphasizing students' engagement with the issues and the resolutions they come up with for considering moral dilemmas, will be more effective than a didactic approach. Describes a unit on success, part of an American literature class for high school juniors.
Keywords: Secondary, Literature, Pedagogy
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Learning a Language of Nonviolence
Sue Ellen Bridgers
Abstract:
Describes the author's experience writing a novel which she believed was a love story, but came to realize was a story about domestic violence. Argues for a strong role for young adult literature in examining the realities of abusive, confining relationships. Notes that young people have been helped in dealing with their own dilemmas by seeing themselves in such stories.
Keywords: Secondary, Literature
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Giving Peace a Chance: Gandhi and King in the English Classroom
David Gill
Abstract:
Describes how one high school English teacher developed and taught a unit that would give students the opportunity to see how violence and nonviolence affects their lives. Notes the unit involves discussing the lives and careers of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., viewing film clips and film, reading, writing in journals, and writing a bill of rights for students.
Keywords: Secondary, Pedagogy, Writing, Reading
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The Silent Classroom
Marion Wrye
Abstract:
Argues that, under the weight of the culture of materialism, superficiality, and rampant consumerism fueled by sex, drugs, and violence, it is difficult yet critically important for individuals to carve out a space for the pleasures of concentration, and for finding an internal anchor. Describes how a teacher has used silence in support of these goals.
Keywords: Secondary, Pedagogy
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The Teaching of Anti-Violence Strategies within the English Curriculum
Rosemarie Coghlan
Abstract:
Argues that the English classroom is a fitting place to integrate anti-violence teaching into the academic curriculum. Describes how English teachers can teach conflict resolution strategies, instill respect for cultural diversity, provide an atmosphere for cooperative learning while acknowledging controversy, and heighten empathy and respect by integrating
Keywords: Secondary, Pedagogy
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Peace from Within: Teaching Texts That Comfort and Heal
Olivia McNeely Pass
Abstract:
Argues that a curriculum of peace must include ways to define human problems. Describes how the author taught a literature course called "The Healing Word: Literature About Coping with Death and Illness" that used literary selections and a film series to examine physical healing, mental healing, and healing from grief.
Keywords: Secondary, Pedagogy
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A Thousand Cranes: A Curriculum of Peace
Linda W. Rees
Abstract:
Relates the author's experiences as a teacher with a high school student, a soft-spoken Japanese young woman, who taught the author and her fellow high school students much about understanding, forgiveness, and peace.
Keywords: Secondary, Pedagogy
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Hopes of a New Harvest: Sowing Seeds of Understanding with Contemporary Literature
Anna L. Quinn
Abstract:
Argues that English and Language Arts teachers can counter the lessons of hate, violence, and bigotry by offering lessons that promote understanding and caring, through choices for reading and writing of literature that represent all ethnic groups. Discusses the author's experiences teaching for many years in Mississippi, addressing the heritage of racial divide by including literature by African American writers.
Keywords: Secondary, Diversity, Literature, Pedagogy
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Get Real: Violence in Popular Culture and in English Class
Marsha Lee Holmes
Abstract:
Argues that English teachers should open classroom doors to the world's violence in order to examine, interpret, and reduce it, focusing critical inquiry on the subject of violence. Describes how, in the author's English classroom, the study of violence in popular culture compels critical inquiry as students research what they know about violence in popular culture.
Keywords: Secondary, Pedagogy
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“Who You Dissin', Dude?": At-Risk Students Learn Assertive Communication Skills
Barbara R. Cangelosi
Abstract:
Cangelosi describes her students in the alternative high school where she teaches and how she teaches them assertive communication as a replacement for aggressive behavior.
Keywords: Secondary, Language, Pedagogy
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Teacher to Teacher
Abstract:
Offers recommendations from six different English teachers of novels, short stories, or poems that they recommend or have used successfully in the classroom to discuss issues and dilemmas of peace.
Keywords: Secondary
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International English
Abstract:
Looks at the missions and goals of the International Assembly of the National Council of Teachers of English, a global multicultural network promoting communication and cooperation for international exchange of teaching practices, literature, literacy, curriculum development, and research in English. Suggests some criteria to look at when developing an international curriculum.
Keywords: Secondary
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Middle Talk
Abstract:
Offers advice from middle school educators (a principal, a supervisor, and a teacher) on job interviews for teaching positions: how applicants are selected from the stack of applications, what happens during an interview, and what truly makes a difference.
Keywords: Secondary
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Professional Links: Active and Interactive Approaches to Poetry, Drama, and Classics
Louann Reid, editor
Abstract:
Discusses six books that offer beginning and veteran teachers classroom-tested ideas to help students read and write poetry and other literature, and interact with each other as they strive to understand and appreciate classic drama and novels. Notes four websites that are good sites for teaching poetry.
Keywords: Secondary
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Young Adult Literature: Peace-Keeping Forces: YA War Books
Chris Crowe, editor
Abstract:
Argues that good young adult books about war can help teenagers appreciate the blessings of peace and the horrors of war, and perhaps may inspire them to do what they can to preserve peace. Describes briefly 71 young adult war books worth reading.
Keywords: Secondary
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Slam: Hip-hop Meets Poetry-A Strategy for Violence Intervention
Heather E. Bruce and Byran Dexter Davis
Abstract:
Describes one strategy used in high school English classrooms to teach for peace and dislodge violence: the poetry slam, a burgeoning pop culture phenomenon that combines poetry and performance art. Describes poetry slams that incorporate hip-hop culture. Discusses promoting slams in English classrooms to show students the power of words and instruct them in nonviolence, leadership, character, and social change.
Keywords: Secondary, Literature
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The Ada Valley Simulation: Exploring the Nature of Conflict
Daniel Mindich
Abstract:
Describes a complex role play used in a high school English class in which students take on roles from a simulated society with three distinct ethnic groups with differing interests and demands. Describes how students learn the hard truths of group dynamics in this extended role-play, discussion, and negotiation.
Keywords: Secondary, Diversity, Pedagogy
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Teaching Empathy through Ecphrastic Poetry: Entering a Curriculum of Peace
Nancy Gorrell
Abstract:
Argues that any curriculum of peace must have at its core the teaching (not preaching) of empathy. Recommends ecphrastic poetry (poetic response to works of art) as a teaching tool for empathy, and discusses how the author uses one particular poem written in response to a World War II photograph to stimulate student writing response and discussion. This article available in print issue only.
Keywords: Secondary
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Letters to EJ
Abstract:
Abstract for this article is currently not available.
Keywords: Secondary
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From the Editor
Virginia R. Monseau
Abstract:
Abstract for this article is currently not available.
Keywords: Secondary
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Speaking My Mind: A Few Good Words for Bad Words
Edmund J. Farrell
Abstract:
Abstract for this article is currently not available.
Keywords: Secondary
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From the Secondary Section: Just What Is the Secondary Section?
Elizabeth Close
Abstract:
Abstract for this article is currently not available.
Keywords: Secondary
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