Research in the Teaching of English, Vol. 31, No. 2, May 1997

Table of Contents

• EDITORS’ INTRODUCTION

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  Keywords: Research, College

• The Social Drama of Literature Discussions in a Fifth/Sixth-Grade Classroom

  Cynthia Lewis

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  Abstract: Examines how conceptions of what it means to read and discuss literature shaped peer-led discussions in the classroom. Explores the relationship between social and interpretive expectations in the classroom and the positions students took during literature discussions. Shows that students worked to create solidarity. Complicates the role that power and status play in discussions.

  Keywords: Literature, Pedagogy, Research, Elementary

• Dealing with Dialogue: Fifth Graders' Responses to Reading a Play

  Laura B. Smolkin

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  Abstract: Explores responses of 10 fifth graders to the dialog of a play. Creates 12 speech act interruption points and asks children to write predictions for the character's line. Examines these for conversational cooperativity. Finds children's oral explanations for their predictions revealed two major interpretive stances--an interactive focus and a focus on characters' concerns.

  Keywords: Research, Reading, Elementary

• Annotated Bibliography of Research in the Teaching of English

  Deborah Brown, Richard L. Larson, and Melissa Whiting

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  Abstract: Presents a selective list of recent research studies in the teaching of English. States that most appeared during the six-month period preceding the compilation of the bibliography (July through December 1996). Contains 57 items divided into sections on bilingual education, cultural studies, literacy studies, literature, professional development, research methodology, and writing.

  Keywords: Assessment, Diversity, Language, Literacy, Literature, Pedagogy, Research, Technology, Writing, Reading, Elementary, Middle, Secondary, College, Professional Development

• Two Classrooms, Two Writing Communities: Urban and Suburban Tenth Graders Learning to Write

  Melanie Sperling and Laura Woodlief

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  Abstract: Investigates how classroom communities were created to support students' writing in two contrasting grade-10 English classrooms: one in a low-income urban school with a diverse population, one in a middle-class suburban school. Analyzes class discussions to see how they functioned in creating community. Portrays writing in both classrooms as socially situated.

  Keywords: Research, Writing, Secondary

• In Memory of Alan C. Purves

  Arthur Applebee

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  Keywords: Research, College

• GUEST REVIEWERS

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