English Journal, Vol. 95, No. 4, March 2006

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Reading, Writing, and Re-Presenting Research

• Call for Manuscripts - English Journal

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• From the Editor - English Journal

  Louann Reid

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• From the Secondary Section: Guiding Research: A Collaborative Approach

  Regina Dunlavey Derrico

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  Abstract: Members of the Secondary Section Steering Committee comment on topics of importance to English language arts educators.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Speaking My Mind: The Trouble with Rubrics

  Alfie Kohn

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  Abstract: “Speaking My Mind” invites readers to speak out about controversial issues relevant to the teaching of English language arts.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Speaking My Mind: In Defense of the Five-Paragraph Essay

  Kerri Smith

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  Abstract: “Speaking My Mind” invites readers to speak out about controversial issues relevant to the teaching of English language arts.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• "What If?": Teaching Research and Creative-Thinking Skills through Proposal Writing

  David M. Pegram

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  Abstract: David M. Pegram gives his students purpose in their research projects by having them investigate a troubling local issue and write a proposal for a solution. Students develop essential skills in critical thinking and have a real audience for their writing.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Research, Writing

• Creating Possibilities: Embedding Research into Creative Writing

  Jason Wirtz

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  Abstract: Jason Wirtz has turned his research unit into a creative writing project. While still relying on traditional methodology, including requiring students to write a “miniature research paper,” the true goal is for students to write a short story that embeds their research to enhance the narrative.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Research

• A Time of Change: Research and the 1960s

  Tracy Speaker and Carolyn K. Anderson

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  Abstract: To infuse the research project with creativity, Tracy Speaker and Carolyn K. Anderson asked students to research aspects of the 1960s and write a dramatic scene, which they then presented to the class.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Research

• Why Is the Sky Blue? Using Children's Questions to Motivate Research

  Deb Teitelbaum

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  Abstract: Deb Teitelbaum approaches the research project as a means of answering questions rather than simply teaching a process. High school juniors start by brainstorming questions they would have asked as small children and then use research to produce a children’s book answering the question.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Research

• Researching Writing: The Unfamiliar-Genre Research Project

  Sarah Andrew-Vaughan and Cathy Fleischer

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  Abstract: Sarah Andrew-Vaughan and Cathy Fleischer ask their students to investigate a genre of writing that they find challenging or unfamiliar, recognize the characteristics that define the genre, and then write an original piece in the genre. Students reflect on their process of inquiry throughout and gain confidence by writing in a challenging form.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Research, Writing

• Creating Purpose and a Renaissance in Research

  Ruth R. Caillouet

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  Abstract: For Ruth R. Caillouet, the key to teaching the research paper was giving students a real purpose. To address this need, she designed a Renaissance and medieval studies unit for high school seniors that culminated in a schoolwide Renaissance Festival.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Research

• Spinning Straw into Gold: Transforming Information into Knowledge during Web-Based Research

  Kathleen Guinee and Maya B. Eagleton

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  Abstract: Concerned by an “alarming number of students [who] unwittingly plagiarize” on research projects, Kathleen Guinee and Maya B. Eagleton developed a strategic notetaking strategy called CHoMP. Results with students of varied abilities and in various grades show that students can learn to evaluate sources for significant information and correctly paraphrase what they find.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Research

• Multigenre-Multigendered Research Papers

  Mary E. Styslinger

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  Abstract: Mary E. Styslinger asked high school seniors to explore genre and gender in a nontraditional research project. She then “sought to discover more about what students knew and how students’ knowing was represented.” Her analysis reveals that the multigenre paper can be a powerful form that allows for complexity, questioning, and the development of personal voice.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Research

• Research à la Carte

  Jo Anne Musick

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  Abstract: Jo Anne Musick asks middle school students to research an author of their choice. Using what they find, students create a place setting and then form small groups to create a dinner party. They learn about research, short stories, and formal etiquette in this one project.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Research

• I-Search in the Age of Information

  Huntington Lyman

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  Abstract: Middle school teacher Huntington Lyman takes a fresh look at the I-Search research method and shows how it can be modified to provide an effective project for middle school students. By focusing their research on potential careers, students critically evaluated sources, made human connections through interviews, and learned something about themselves in the process.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• I-Searching in Context: Thinking Critically about the Research Unit

  Jason Luther

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  Abstract: For Jason Luther, the I-Search paper alone did not seem to do enough to help students think critically. In this article, he shows how he supplements the I-Search paper with a unit to develop habits and methods of inquiry utilizing documentary films, creative nonfiction, and feature articles discussed through Socratic seminars.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Research

• Research Paper Baby Steps

  Kathryn A. Pfaffinger

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  Abstract: To increase student success with the traditional research paper, Kathryn A. Pfaffinger first assigns a short, highly prescribed paper. She teaches three specific skills—identifying sources, taking notes, and synthesizing information—that students apply to writing a five-hundred-word research paper.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Teaching the Research Paper for Local Action

  Carlin Borsheim and Robert Petrone

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  Abstract: Carlin Borsheim and Robert Petrone describe a research paper unit that focuses on social action at the local level. High school sophomores begin by critically examining their school and community to develop topics of real interest to them and then create a document usable for promoting positive change.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Research

• Research Matters: Deep Modeling and Authentic Teaching: Challenging Students or Challenging Students?

  Rick VanDeWeghe, editor

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  Abstract: “Research Matters” provides teachers with review and application of research that illuminates the daily concerns and activities of English language arts teachers and classrooms.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Research

• New Voices: Research and Authority in an Online World: Who Knows? Who Decides?

  Tiffany J. Hunt and Bud Hunt, editors

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  Abstract: “New Voices” raises questions, offers insights, and provides a forum for novice teachers to engage in the professional conversation surrounding the teaching of English.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Teaching English in the World: The Dangerous Profession

  Kenneth Lindblom, editor

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  Abstract: “Teaching English in the World” examines the teaching of English in a global context.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• English in the City: The Power of Youth: How Do We Uncover It?

  Greg Hamilton, editor

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  Abstract: “English in the City” focuses on the particular challenges, choices, and celebrations relevant to teaching in an urban setting.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Stepping into the Classroom: Keeping the Learner in Mind

  Terry Patrick Bigelow and Michael J. Vokoun, editors

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  Abstract: “Stepping into the Classroom” shares innovative lesson ideas grounded in current literature or action research.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Personal Reading: A Mind with a View

  Suellen Alfred and Linda Null, editors

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  Abstract: “Personal Reading” contains reviews of fiction and nonfiction books, with a special interest in multicultural works.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Bold Books for Teenagers: The Very Best Possibilities

  Don Gallo, editor

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  Abstract: “Bold Books for Teenagers” provides dynamic, informative viewpoints on important issues in publishing and teaching contemporary literature, especially literature for adolescents. Reviews of young adult literature also appear in this column.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• Poetry: English Journal, March 2006

  James Brewbaker, editor

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  Abstract: “Poetry” features poems by teachers and professional poets.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

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