Research in the Teaching of English, Vol. 31, No. 1, February 1997

Table of Contents

• From the Editor

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Available in print copy only.

  Keywords: College, Research

• The Place of Bible Literature in Public High School Classes

  Marie Goughnour Wachlin

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Reports on a study that attempted to determine the current, actual place of Bible literature in high school English classes and the reasons that affect its place. Finds that Bible literature seems to play an extremely small role in high school literature programs.

  Keywords: Secondary, Literature, Research

• Writing Conferences and the Weaving of Multi-Voiced Texts in College Composition

  G. G. Patthey-Chavez and Dana R. Ferris

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Reports on a study of teacher-student writing conferences which finds that conferences have an effect on the revision process; and the divergent backgrounds students bring to instructional events (in terms of writing ability, writing experience, or native language) have a structuring effect that cannot be dismissed solely as teacher bias or self-fulfilling prophecy.

  Keywords: College, Research, Writing

• Students' Reactions to Teacher Comments: An Exploratory Study

  Richard Straub

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Examines student responses to their teachers' written comments on their papers. Finds that students are equally interested in getting responses on content, purpose and organization as on sentence structure, wording and correctness; and students prefer specific comments with explanations over negative comments or comments that seek to control their writing or views.

  Keywords: College, Research, Writing

• The Relative Contributions of Research-Based Composition Activities to Writing Improvement in the Lower and Middle Grades

  Mark Sadoski, Victor L. Willson, and Donna E. Norton

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Investigates the relative effectiveness of general modes of instruction and specific instructional activities using a nonexperimental methodology and a group of 16 teachers and 275 students, grades 1, 3-6, and 8. Finds that only one combination of activities was associated with large gains (especially in the lower grades) and this combination included inquiry, prewriting, writing about literature, and the use of evaluative scales.

  Keywords: Elementary, Middle, Research, Writing

• RTE Forum: Letter from a Reader on "The Informed Citizen in Historical Context"

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Available in print copy only.

  Keywords: College, Research

• GUEST REVIEWERS

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Available in print copy only.

  Keywords: College, Research

* Journal articles are provided in PDF format and can be opened using the free Adobe® Reader® program or a comparable viewer. Click here to download and install the most recent version of Adobe Reader.