Describes the process used to evaluate the writing across the curriculum (WAC) program in the Minnesota Community College System, focusing on evaluation components (i.e., workshop surveys, faculty and student surveys, faculty interviews, student compositions, and subject experiments). Considers programmatic and evaluation coordination. Reviews…

Presents a technique used during the first five minutes of class that elicits from students written responses to questions of their understanding of mathematical content or their attitudes toward their mathematics class specifically, or mathematics in general. Provides sample questions from algebra, geometry, and general mathematics. (MDH)

This panel discussion document about portfolio evaluation of student writing consists of three presentations from faculty members of Lynchburg College in Virginia, who describe the introduction of a portfolio-assessment system in their writing program. In this system students choose the three papers they want to rewrite for inclusion in their…

The margins of college students' writing are the ideal site for teacher-student conversations about the writing, but most of these conversations misfire, largely for reasons that are avoidable. Suggestions are made for responding so students can understand, respond to, and learn from teachers' written comments. Examples from several…

Electronic dialogues tend to be rapid, informal, and public. When college teachers use computer technology to respond to student writing, they have an opportunity to rethink and reinvent the ways in which they teach and by which students learn. Despite some new concerns and problems, this mode of communicating does not evoke the same response that…

Presents a Project WET water education activity. Students use a Water Log (journal or portfolio) to write or illustrate their observations, feelings, and actions related to water. The log serves as an assessment tool to monitor changes over time in knowledge of and attitudes toward the water. (LZ)

Discusses the value of writing assignments in mathematics instruction. Advocates informal, lengthy, nongraded writing as the best form of learning. Encourages the use of a learning log by students which is reviewed by both teachers and fellow students. Provides examples of short in-class mathematics writing assignments. (PAA)

Presented is a review of the research on the benefits of using writing to evaluate students' understanding of mathematics. Results indicate that student writing provides a rich resource for assessing student understanding, can have a direct influence in teachers' instructional practices, and can positively influence student-teacher interaction…

Reports results of a four-year experiment integrating writing into secondary mathematics classrooms. Discusses (1) the development of a pedagogical model for mathematics journal keeping; and (2) the practicalities of implementing journal writing in the curriculum. Includes sample journal entries. (12 references) (MDH)

Tape-recorded commentaries on student writing can tell students in detail how a reader responds to their writing. Computers that can record and/or play back voice recordings can also help improve the way teachers annotate students' drafts. Strategies for using the method are presented, with excerpts from students' discipline-based writing and…

Offers basic guidelines for college teachers in responding to students' writing in the disciplines, with the central principle that teachers' comments should reflect their instructional goals for individual students. Suggests that fewer, more carefully designed comments are likely to be more effective than many unfocused responses. Examples of…

A study was conducted at John Abbott College to establish the reliability and validity of holistic evaluation for assessing learning in content courses. The study involved: (1) an informal poll of members of 22 departments concerning the acceptability of holistic evaluation within their department; (2) a faculty survey to ascertain opinions…

This teacher's guide was developed to help teachers improve learning by incorporating writing into mathematics instruction. The document is divided into three sections. The issue of why writing should be utilized in the mathematics classroom is addressed in the first section. The topics discussed include why students should utilize writing in…

Describes journal writing as an element of multimodal teaching. Discusses how students utilize journal writing that includes pictures, numbers, symbols, and manipulatives to help understand mathematical concepts. Provides a form to evaluate students' portfolio writing and examples of students' evaluated work. (Contains 12 references.) (MDH)

Describes the use of writing to increase the effectiveness of student groupings and the use of cooperative learning to enhance students' mathematical writing. Also discusses how to use cooperative learning and writing to help students learn from assessment instruments. Includes excerpts from student journals and 16 references. (MKR)