Writing the Book on Online Literature Circles

Raising Reading Achievement through Web-based Mentoring
by Melanie Helt

The goals were to raise reading and writing skills and scores by using technology. A group of educators used the well known literature circle model in which small groups discuss a common novel of their choice and created an online learning community. They tested the students and those with a below reading level were also placed in a "study group" along with the general program all students participated in. The other students were used as the "control group" and the study groups were tested through out the year. The sessions were focused on a theme and the students read books about this general theme. The groups were mixed by gender and ability. Students read books, discussed them online with peers and mentors, and were given homework assignments.

Q1: Was this project successful and Why?
A1: According to the test results, the reading scores increased for all students. It is debatable whether it was the technology that helped the students improve, however, based on this research, this is one successful way to include technology in the classroom. I think one of the most important aspects of the project was the student mentors who helped in analyzing the reading content to pull out the deeper meanings from the text. In my experience, one-on-one help is very beneficial to most students learning.

Q2: How could I use this project in my own classroom?
A2: Through this project the results showed for the discussions, students were willing to go online to check other students' comments and discuss connections to their own lives. They were motivated to think critically and express their thoughts about the reading. I think it would be useful to use this kind of idea in the classroom. Maybe for reading groups I could have the students post their discussions online with peers/partners and with a mentor. Overall, I see how discussing the information online could help in writing and reading abilities.

Improving Student Writing Through Email Mentoring

by Mary Burns

Teaching a writing class, Ms. Burns was struggling with her students. They continued to make consistent mistakes, use a limited vocabulary and remain uninterested in the assignments. She tried peer reviews, however, her students were just getting bored and frustrated. Finally, she came up with the idea to set up her students with "mentors" who were in jobs the student's were interested in. The students and mentors were required to communicate at least four times over email and Ms. Burns graded their emails as the writing assignments. They went over proper email etiquette, etc. Students and mentors alike were enthusiastic about the project and exceeded the minimum work. Students vocabulary and overall writing improved immensely.

Q1: How can I use this idea/project in my teaching?

A1: Email is fairly simple to use and many schools now own computers for students. The real challenge would be to have a social/professional network to contact people from different career areas who would be interested in mentoring a student. This project is mainly geared toward older students such as middle school and high school, who have a bigger idea of what they want to do for a career.

Q2:How could I adapt this idea for elementary students?

A2: I am planning to teach elementary students, and while the career mentoring may be a bit too early for the students, the elements of email communication for writing skills are important. As I have read and heard before, there are ways to communicate with a classroom from another part of the world. Students can connect over internet with other students and you can collaborate with the other teacher for projects, etc. Not only does this bring awareness of different cultures and geography, but it is a fun way to have students practice and improve writing through social networking and email communication.