Many textbooks for English offer the student a range of reading materials without carefully considering questions of theory or method. As a result, they fail to develop clear or sophisticated understandings. Such books treat the student as a passive recipient of information. In contrast, these books engage the student in carefully designed activities that are designed to encourage active learning. Through inquiry, speculation and problem solving, students are engaged in the learning and participate in building knowledge. The books also teach advanced analytical techniques and elements of theory, enabling students to explore the social and cultural dimensions of language and reading, and revealing how our apparently "personal" responses to literature and film are formed. Because they are carefully theorised, the books develop consistent understandings, free of the clumsy contradictions that often plague standard textbooks. [Back]

The books draw upon a range of literary and pedagogical theories. The approach to literature study is broadly socio-cultural, which means the study of literature is considered as a social practice, with learnable rules and procedures. This is in contrast to books that treat literary reading as natural personal response. A key concept in this approach is the notion of "reading practices" -- routines and assumptions that readers acquire in their role as members of a community. Brian's books reveal the operation of these practices and teach students how to perform the kinds of readings that are associated with literary competence. They also show how the reading practices we have acquired can reproduce ways of thinking about the world that may be value-laden.

The instructional design of the books combines elements of constructivism, inquiry learning and direct instruction. The keys to effective teaching are clear explanations, practical demonstration, and problem-solving activities that engage students in the learning. Together, these strategies promote high-levels of skill and understanding. [Back]

In Australasia the books are published by Chalkface Press. In England they are published by the English and Media Centre in London. In the United States they are published as part of the Chalkface Imprint series by the NCTE press. [Back]

Chalkface Press is a specialist educational publisher based in Western Australia, dedicated to producing high quality, innovative texts for English. Chalkface selects authors who are specialists with advanced qualifications in their fields, and who can translate complex modern theory into practice. The company has links with London's prestigious English and Media Centre and with the National Council of Teachers of English in the United States. In 2001, Chalkface Director Dr Bronwyn Mellor was awarded an Order of Australia medal for her services to education and educational publishing. (Visit the Chalkface Press website.)  [Back]

NCTE (The National Council of Teachers of English) is the peak professional body for teachers of English in the United States. The NCTE's publishing division has published books by Brian Moon as part of its Chalkface Imprint series. The English and Media Centre, London, produces critically acclaimed materials for teachers and students across the whole range of English and Media courses. [Back]

As you will appreciate, it isn't possible for Brian to respond to enquiries from all the countries in which his books are published. If you have specific questions about obtaining the books or reproducing extracts from them, these should be directed to the publisher. If you wish to know more about the theory and research behind the books, you may wish to consult some of Brian Moon's academic papers. Other frequent questions will be added to this site as they come to light.   [Back]