English Journal, Vol. 98, No. 5, May 2009

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Authentic Learning and Teaching: Developing Real-World Skills

• Call for Manuscripts

• Letters to EJ

• From the Editor

  Ken Lindblom

• From the Secondary Section: Making Writing Instruction Authentic

  Elizabeth Kahn

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

• EJ Extra: What Is Happening in the Teaching of Writing?

  Arthur N. Applebee and Judith A. Langer

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  Abstract: The renowned English education scholars examine how assessment technology and other factors have influenced contemporary writing instruction.

• EJ in Focus: Real-World Writing: Making Purpose and Audience Matter

  Grant Wiggins

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  Abstract: One of the best-known proponents of authentic assessment describes why teaching real-world writing skills is important.

• Teacher to Teacher: How Would You Respond to Someone Who Says English Teachers Don’t Live or Work in the “Real World”?

  Ann Magyar; Penny Patrick; Gregory Shafer; Drew Lankford

• Student Voices: How Can English Teachers Make Class More “Real” for Students?

  Hartley Breau; Rachel Cathcart; Jennica Dunn-Daye

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  Abstract: Students offer their perspective on authentic learning and teaching, developing real-world skills.

• Authentic, Dialogic Writing: The Case of a Letter to the Editor

  Heidi L. Hallman

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  Abstract: Pregnant and parenting teen students saw a letter to the editor that criticized their school program. Their teacher saw a way to inspire passionate writing.

• From National History Day to PeaceJam: Research Leads to Authentic Learning

  Beth Havercamp Powers

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  Abstract: Powers’s innovative assignments have fostered community service and the development of a thriving charitable organization.

• Skeptics on the Internet: Teaching Students to Read Critically

  Jonathan Ostenson

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  Abstract: Even though it has its own detailed and scientific-looking website, the Tree Octopus isn’t anything to worry about. Helping students learn to read websites critically is.

• Flipping the Switch: Code-Switching from Text Speak to Standard English

  Kristen Hawley Turner

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  Abstract: Does texting language make you cringe? Let this author show you how to help students learn where texting does and does not belong.

• Beyond Checklists and Rubrics: Engaging Students in Authentic Conversations about Their Writing

  Christine M. Dawson

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  Abstract: Using Quaker Shares, an inquiry stance, and other techniques, Dawson has helped students engage in useful, in-depth conversation about their writing.

• Teaching Writing for the “Real World”: Community and Workplace Writing

  Michelle Cox, Christina Ortmeier-Hooper, and Katherine E. Tirabassi

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  Abstract: Can sending students out in writing teams to engage in real-world community writing really help them learn to write better? This article shows you how.

• Approaching Authentic Peer Review

  Nelson Graff

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  Abstract: Graff suggests ways to use think-aloud protocols to improve students’ thinking about their own and others’ texts.

• Fantasy Island Meets the Real World: Using Online Discussion Forums in Collaborative Learning

  Susan Martens-Baker

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  Abstract: Find out how teachers in different schools used the Internet to help their students work together to create utopian communities as an alternative to the society that develops in Lord of the Flies.

• The University Needs You

  Allen Webb

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  Abstract: Have you ever thought of becoming a college professor? Here’s why you should.

• Poem: Field Trip

  Douglas Woody Woodsum

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

• Poem: Breaking Sod

  Bill Brown

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

• Poem: For My Students, Who Are Incarcerated

  Mindie Dieu

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

• Poem: The Burning House

  Kevin Marshall Chopson

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

• Challenging Texts: Challenging Texts (and Other Assumptions) in a Digital Age

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  Abstract: "Challenging Texts" explores various ways of teaching literary theory to high school and middle school students.

• Innovative Writing Instruction: Writing Selves, Writing Stories

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  Abstract: "Innovative Writing Instruction" publishes new approaches to the teaching of writing in high school and middle school.

• Mentoring Matters: The Challenge for Teacher Education

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  Abstract: "Mentoring Matters" focuses on effective ways to support new English teachers and student teachers.

• Off the Shelves: Books on Bullying

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  Abstract: "Off the Shelves" discusses new young adult literature and explores ways of teaching YA texts in middle and high school English classes.

• Success with ELLs: Authentic Assessment for ELLs in the ELA Classroom

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  Abstract: "Success with ELLs" suggests effective approaches to teaching English language learners in ways that can be of benefit to all students in  mainstream middle and high school English classes.

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