As with all learners, English learners (ELs) require more than basic reading and writing skills to successfully engage with rigorous academic content, progress through school, and be fully prepared for postsecondary education and careers. ELs must be able to access grade-level content while simultaneously developing proficiency and autonomy in…

Described are strategies that help writing-disabled students improve handwriting skills (e.g., provide models, use prompting and fading techniques, teach proofing skills) and strategies that allow students to circumvent handwriting problems so they can concentrate on the subject matter content (e.g., typewriters, computers, oral reports and…

A recent study by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) directly links writing effectiveness to development of skills in critical thinking. This ERIC Digest discusses: (1) recent research on the linkage between writing and learning; (2) successful approaches to teaching writing; and (3) suggestions for including an effective…

Discusses ways to teach faculty in other disciplines about writing. Offers several writing assignments for interdisciplinary faculty workshops, provides guidelines for conducting such workshops, and outlines desiderata of the content area writing assignment. Appendixes include student writing assignments from courses in various disciplines. (JG)

Presents findings of a survey of participants in writing across the curriculum workshops at the University of Vermont. Notes that although nearly every class requires student writing, the kind of assignment is generally informational, does not engage discovery and direct involvement with material, and requires writing in the particular…

Describes the Critical Writing Program in the Catholic elementary schools in Arlington, Virginia, which teaches critical thinking through the process of writing. Illustrates the application of critical writing to history, science, and other subjects. Suggests ideas for "publishing" students' writing. (DMM)

Described is a method of teaching laboratory report writing to undergraduate students. The sections of student lab reports are reviewed and compared with scientific papers. The writing process including drafts and peer review is discussed. Results of the use of this method are provided. (CW)

Attempting to place in an American context many of the ideas about the teaching of writing that were first developed in England, this book contains contributions from internationally prominent teachers/scholars who attended the New York University-CBS Sunrise Semester course on learning to write and writing to learn. The text also reflects the…

The purpose of this article is to highlight and discuss the role of language as the link between experiences with number patterns and the emergence of algebraic notation. Discussed is a recommended approach. A sample of a written student response is provided. (CW)

A teacher of hearing-impaired students in grades three-six used dialogue journals with her students, and combined the use of dialogue journals with reading journals, which focus on specific, reading-related topic . The project evolved into a peer journal-reading program between two students. Journal use was subsequently incorporated into content…

Deals with university faculty's and students' perceptions of essay-writing difficulties in examinations and on coursework and ways to improve these problems. Offers a framework for analyzing types of writing problems and offering support. (MG)

The Thematic Unit approach to content-area learning integrates reading, writing, and speaking exercises for learning-disabled students while fostering active and strategic study of the content. Features include use of natural materials, teaching of learning strategies, and emphasis on student decision making and involvement. Guidelines are…

The articles in this journal issue explore current theories of the reading/writing relationship and practices in writing instruction. The titles and their authors are as follows: (1) "Cognitive Processes in Writing and Reading" (Roderic C. Botts); (2) "Brainstorming and Writing" (Brock Dethier); (3) "Group Writing:…

The emphasis on writing in the teaching of mathematics and science can empower teachers to reach all sectors of the pupil population. The use of ordinary language can help break the cultural barriers that have prevented minorities and women from achieving well in proportionate numbers in these fields. This volume focuses on pedagogical issues of…

The articles in this volume were written by teachers with an average of 15 years experience teaching writing from the primary grades through college. Each article is the fruition of one to three years work with students and teachers after a summer institute. The authors of the articles discuss such topics as (1) personal experiences as a teacher…