Teaching English in the Two-Year College, Vol. 28, No. 2, December 2000

Table of Contents

• Social Utility and Needs-Based Education: Writing Instruction at the Early Junior College

  William DeGenaro

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  Abstract: Notes how early junior college compositionists sought to socialize a largely working-class student body into a middle-class sensibility. Argues that educators must make time to create historical narratives of two-year colleges as a valuable precursor to fighting for institutional reforms within institutions. Analyzes the manner that curriculum builders in the 1920s and 1930s constructed first-year writing courses at junior colleges.

  Keywords: College, Research, School-Community Relation

• See the Boal, Be the Boal: Theatre of the Oppressed and Composition Courses

  Gill Creel Michael Kuhne Maddy Riggle

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  Abstract: Considers how students and teachers use Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) to respond to writing anxieties. Notes that experiences with TO have encouraged the continuation of experimentation with the theories and practices in and out of the classroom. Discusses how TO places instructors in creatively vulnerable and edifying positions.

  Keywords: College, Pedagogy, Research, Writing

• Repositioning Revision: A Rhetorical Approach to Grading

  Edwina L. Helton Jeff Sommers

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  Abstract: Notes that finding a way to integrate grading and responding in a manner that promotes learning through revision is one major challenge for composition instructors. Argues that instructors must find a way to shape their classrooms shifting the emphasis from "getting it right the first time," to learning to see writing as an activity that evolves and improves through revision.

  Keywords: College, Assessment, Pedagogy, Writing

• How to Conduct a Course-Based Computer Chat Room: Enabling a Space for Active Learning

  Christyne A. Berzsenyi

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  Abstract: Discusses how certain strategies can enable successful chat rooms in academic courses. Examines some of the author's own pedagogical trials, errors, and successes with chat rooms. Offers some strategies for conducting effective participation among students in such settings. Discusses several models of teacher-student interaction for developing the instructor's role in academic chat rooms.

  Keywords: College, Pedagogy, Technology, Writing

• Grease on the Keyboard: Making Composition Work in a Technical College

  Jessica Lourey

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  Abstract: Notes that teaching composition in a technical college presents a number of challenges. Considers how employers are calling for the hands-on training to be combined with more communication and critical thinking skills so that employees have a broader education that allows them to switch speeds or tasks. Describes activities and course components for technical college writing instruction.

  Keywords: College, Assessment, Literacy, Writing

• INSTRUCTIONAL NOTE · An Assignment Sequence for Underprepared Writers

  Kristi Nimmo

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  Abstract: Presents a sequenced writing assignment on shopping to aid basic writers. Describes a writing assignment focused around online and mail-order shopping. Notes steps in preparing for the assignment, the sequence, and discusses responses to the assignments.

  Keywords: Secondary, College, Pedagogy, Writing

• Bringing New Historicism into the American Literature Survey

  Margaret Faye Jones

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  Abstract: Notes that students can begin to learn that literature is not a dead art with no relevance to them by studying works that provide a wider context that will allow readers a new sense of the cultural milieu in which texts are written and read in conjunction with the ones in their course anthologies.

  Keywords: College, Diversity, Literature, Pedagogy, Reading

• Making Meaning in the Postmodern Market: Teaching John Updike's "A&P"

  Peter Carino

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  Abstract: Considers how teaching John Updike's short story "A&P" to treat issues of class and gender provides practice in reading for multiple meanings. Discusses students' responses to the character "Sammy" and considers issues from personal response to reading the text. Notes multiple perspectives and ways of teaching "A&P."

  Keywords: College, Literature, Reading

• Liberating Students through Reader-Response Pedagogy in the Introductory Literature Course

  Lois P. Tucker

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  Abstract: Discusses how reader-response activities combat lack of interest in introductory literature courses. Considers the value of a reader-response approach, activities which liberate students, a student-driven syllabus, and pragmatic concerns. Notes how employing a reader-response approach in the introductory literature course helps maintain the student interest and involvement necessary for a good course.

  Keywords: College, Literature, Pedagogy, Writing

• When Teaching Informs Research: Learning from Our Students

  Ellen Andrews Knodt

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  Abstract: Considers how faculty research can arise from student inquiry and be enhanced by faculty-student collaboration. Suggests ways that faculty who wish to do research or must do it to satisfy institutional expectations may be able to integrate it into their classroom teaching roles. Concludes that "learning from our students" is a win-win situation.

  Keywords: College, Pedagogy, Research, Professional Development

• EDITORIAL: Critical Histories Needed

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: College

• PROFESSIONAL NEWS, NOTES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: College

• GP Writes an Elegy

  Harry V. Moore

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: College

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