Most freshmen who have been introduced to the scientific report are unaware of its rhetorical complexities and problem-solving purpose. Instead, they experience the task of writing lab reports as a perfunctory recording of prescribed activities. In 1994 an instructor, faced with the taks of developing a writing across the curriculum (WAC) sequence…

Writing can be a rich source of information for science teachers who wish to take their students' present understandings into account as they plan and carry out instruction. The responses students give when asked to explain in writing what happened in an experiment can help the teacher address particular student's misunderstandings. Even writers…

In-class writing assignments using such techniques as non-thought warmups, lead-sentences, completion, rewording, and wordbanks (write a paragraph using a given list of words), and debriefing can be used on a regular basis in the content areas without decreasing time spent on content and without increasing the time spent grading papers. The…

Presents some general strategies for using writing in chemistry courses based on experiences in developing a systematic approach to using writing as an effective learning tool in chemistry courses, and testing this approach in high-enrollment general chemistry courses at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Contains 18 references. (WRM)

A writing class that includes individuals from different disciplines can allow its members to gain a useful perspective on what people do, study, and stand for in the world outside the writing class. There are three assignments that can be particularly useful to explain the view of writing as an extra-disciplinary activity: (1) studying a prose…

The purpose of this book is to provide a wide range of examples of writing across the curriculum (WAC) activities in order to encourage teachers to use writing in their classes regularly as a way of stimulating critical thinking in their students and providing variety in their teaching methods. The book is presented in three sections. The first…

Highlights the power of writing in the mathematics curriculum. Discusses expository writing, journal writing, and metacognitive development. Presents writing samples that demonstrate the usefulness of writing exercises as an alternative tool for mathematics education. Concludes that writing can be a viable force both as a learning tool and as a…

Emphasizes that composition teachers can create exercises fitted to the current psychological or process perspective on learning (freewriting, drafting, revision) by adding to classical or product perspective (copying, summarizing, paraphrasing, translating, amplifying) the elements of rhetorical purpose and sense of context and community. (RS)

Discusses the class-related logbook, a semester-long writing assignment that focuses on teaching the process of using regular writing as a powerful professional tool apart from the formal documents required on the job. (WRM)

Journal writing can be used as a tool for the assessment of teaching while allowing students to have an active and expressive voice in their learning. Journal writing provides an excellent interactive format in which students can more freely express their understanding or lack of understanding of the subject matter. The entries also frequently…

Aimed at secondary school science and English teachers, this book presents practical advice for developing good student writing in science and mathematics. Five main sections cover: (1) an essay development workshop; (2) 47 specific writing assignments; (3) over 30 questions teachers ask about science writing, and the answers; (4) an anthology of…

Teachers in the social sciences have found that journals can be useful tools in their classes. Depending on the needs and preferences of the teacher, a variety of formats can be used: highly structured journals based on regular teacher-directed classroom and homework assignments or completely free-form diary-like personal types. No matter what the…

Designed to reveal the art and craft of composition and the principles that underlie good writing, this textbook focuses on how to improve students' writing and how to give students a sense of the contribution writing makes to any kind of learning. The 20 chapters of the textbook are divided into 5 parts: (1) "The Writing Experience";…

Describes guidelines for written homework used in a mathematics course designed to develop skills in understanding and communicating mathematics. Illustrates some examples of common homework errors. (YP)

Outlined are strategies for dealing with the problem of students' lack of ability to verbalize multi-syllable vocabulary words in the sciences. A pronunciation examination, the development of corollary writing skills, vocabulary development, student journals, writing exercises, and microthemes are discussed. (RT)