English Journal - Volume 99, Issue 6, 2010

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

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

A distinguished researcher and teacher, Hillocks describes effective methods for getting students engaged in logical thinking and writing, and he presents an in-depth classroom example.

Using real-world problem scenarios, teachers can engage and enhance the reasoning skills students already bring to English class.

Warren clarifies the warrant, a foundational concept in logical reasoning.

Covel offers a primer on logic and describes how students react when they realize what a useful resource it can be in their real lives. His article includes useful definitions of critical concepts and logical fallacies.

Using Plato’s dialogue as an example, Heller discusses how logic and reason can enhance students’ critical-thinking skills.

Our most important task, these authors claim, is not to teach students to argue but to convince students that written, academic arguments are worth their efforts.

Commonplace books can help students negotiate the chaotic world of information that surrounds them and help them to investigate the pitfalls of “commonsense” logic.

Four new secondary teachers and their teacher education professor reflect on the challenges and successes of the first year in the classroom.

Students’ lives and interests can inspire greater depth and creativity in their research. The authors provide details from real classrooms and a wide assortment of teaching strategies.