Writing is complex, and the more researchers understand the cognitive processes and engagement for writing, the more complex the relationships between cognition and producing writing appear. Writing theory is constantly shifting from a focus on mechanics and form to a focus on creativity and sociability. This literature review analyzes four…

Writing is critical to success in education, the workplace, and everyday communication yet receives limited attention in the research, particularly the topic of writing instruction in adult education. Adult literacy practitioners frequently lack training in writing instruction and must rely on a confusing array of information, primarily derived…

Noting that handwriting is a subskill that often becomes an instructional end rather than a means to enhance written communication, this paper examines research on handwriting and its implications for instruction. Following an introduction on the current status of handwriting instruction, the paper summarizes research on handwriting legibility,…

Describes some of the ways in which students can be organized for reading and writing instruction. Suggests that educators must first identify the key components of literacy, then clarify a view of instruction and learning. Argues that recent literacy research has analyzed processes and texts but has overlooked the larger literacy contexts. (SG)

A feminist composition classroom concentrates on undermining the Platonic view of invention as the private act of an atomistic individual and replacing it with inventional strategies that heighten students' awareness of the social, political, and economic factors which make writing and reading a gendered activity. These alternate strategies allow…

Notes that learning occurs in particular social contexts. Reviews research on actual classroom language -- specifically, instructional conversations-- along with work on emergent literacy and ability-based reading and writing groups. Discusses implications of the research for educational practice, policies, and students' learning. (RS)

Recent writing theorists have recommended the use of collaboration and workshop techniques in writing classrooms, and the clinical experience of Donald C. Winnicott lies at the heart of this current thinking about collaborative classrooms. Winnicott's observations of mothers and infants produced a respect for families and a skepticism about the…

The reading and writing abilities of children work together from the inception of thought to produce literacy. Children can read and write for learning and enjoyment. Each activity enhances the other's development at all levels, thus, writing should not be held back until reading is accomplished at a set level. Children come to school rich in…

Based on the premise that writing research will be useful to educators only to the extent that it offers them conceptual tools to use in framing and solving their own problems, this paper reviews studies that address educators' perennial concerns about writing instruction. Among the questions addressed in the paper are those concerning (1) the…

Reviews 11 recent books and materials on the subject of literacy development. Groups the reviews into the subjects of overall classroom organization, organizing around literature, organizing around writing, and instructional materials. Notes a greater availability of works designed for use in primary grades than for upper elementary grades. (SG)

Noting that educators need to capture the interest of primary students early on to make lifelong writers out of them, this paper discusses ways to encourage the writing process in the primary grades. The paper discusses the philosophy of the writing process, what experts say about writing, setting up the environment, writing with lower primary…

Based on a survey of 118 college students, presents student perceptions of how environment effects their writing. Notes frequent criticism of classroom as a debilitating alien environment and preference for writing at home because surroundings can be manipulated. Recommends student participation in setting up the classroom. (JG)

Scholars from varied disciplines--first language (L1) acquisition, second language (L2) acquisition, composition research, and cognitive psychology--have found a high level of permeability in their search for more effective classroom models of writing instruction. Among the most influential work in this area has been Stephen Krashen's theory of L2…

Literature on word processing (WP) and writing in elementary classrooms is reviewed. Five propositions are constructed to provide a schema for understanding what is known and needs to be learned about young writers and WP. WP's effects on students' composing processes, written products, attitudes, and keyboarding/systems skills are considered.…

A review of recent classroom research regarding writing processes reveals ways in which contextual factors affect student learning. Teachers should investigate the relationship between teaching and writing development in their own classrooms. (Author/CB)