We examined the effects of in-class writing instruction, practice, peer review, and feedback on writing skills of undergraduates enrolled in a general psychology course. We rated writing for grammar, writing style, mechanics, and American Psychological Association referencing style. Significant differences emerged on the 4 writing skill domains (p…

Points out the value of responding to students' first drafts of papers, outlines a three-step approach for doing so, and gives five examples of such an approach. (JL)

Explores various prewriting techniques that can be used to teach thinking skills (e.g., keeping a metaphor journal to teach students to think and write metaphorically; free-writing and focused free-writing; and Plus, Minus, Interesting (PMI) and Alternative Ways of Looking (AWOL) techniques, which teach students to consider both sides of an…

This article describes procedures for making effective use of the student journal in the secondary or college classroom, both as a way to improve students' writing skills and as a source of feedback to the teacher on classroom activities. (Author/SJL)

An experiment designed as a combined laboratory and classroom study was done with 12 male Norwegian third graders with dysgraphic problems. The remedial program was based on cybernetic principles and individualized. Results favored the experimental program but were only significant with regard to accuracy scores; speed writing exercises were not…

A five-stage process for faculty management of college research paper assignments is outlined. Students are instructed in gathering sources, organizing findings, and using standard format. Progress is closely monitored and specific feedback given. A study of student reaction to the technique found it well received and contributing to student…

Investigates the effects of two types of written comments on student compositions and learning of course content. Supports the idea that content comments seem to help students write better essays. Suggests that writing reflectively and thoughtfully about a topic increases learning of that topic. (JK)

Parents, college students, and high-school students can enrich the work of communities of learners. Many high-school teachers enthusiastically host student teachers because they learn so much--such as how to incorporate diversity into lessons. Informal writing exercises can elicit helpful information from high-school students. (MLH)

Explores the use, revision, and evaluation of a written, self-paced tour that precedes librarian-led instruction at the Indiana State University library. Presents student reactions to the tour and its accompanying exercises. Guidelines for administering the tour and a questionnaire on tour use are appended for readers to answer and submit to the…

Faculty ask undergraduate students to write self-evaluations in varied settings and contexts, from reflections on a brief learning experience to descriptions of learning over a course, courses, or an entire college experience. Feedback and degree of structure of the writing assignment are important considerations. (MSE)

Presents a combination review and teaching guide to HOMER, a computer program for writing instruction that analyzes text and has a feedback feature which encourages students to question its revision suggestions. (NKA)

The purpose of assigning writing that will not be formally graded is to assist students in learning subject matter and to create a classroom context that encourages active learning and interactive teaching. Offers three examples of college-level writing-to-learn assignments used in various disciplines, and some ways teachers can respond to such…

Evaluates software developed for advanced learners of a second language. The software uses the target language (German) exclusively, brings together language and literature teaching, and includes a large variety of written exercises with scored feedback. Findings reveal that students are enthusiastic about using this multimedia program and…

By participating in carefully managed writing exercises at the end of class, physical education students can learn to set goals, evaluate themselves, and communicate effectively. The article presents excerpts from student journals in which students express their feelings about their own work and how the class is taught. (SM)

Argues that developing writing activities, consulting with students as they work on a major writing project, and responding are important vehicles for teaching that fosters engaged learning. Central principles are to make assignments inquiry- or issue-based, to keep them focused but open enough for students to develop their own angle or interest,…