Considers the problem of taking theories into the classroom. Suggests a re-examination of the relationship between theory and practice. Concludes that theories should not be criticized if they cannot be readily applied to instructional goals, and should not be expected to do more than they set out to do. (JAD)

Discusses two orientations to teaching expressive writing: the "authenticity" orientation with its underlying notion of a "true" self, and the "generativity" approach with its underlying notion of the "dynamic" self. Discusses fundamental differences between the two views and argues that the generativity…

Argues that it is time to return figurative language to the classroom. Claims teachers should teach writers more figures, regardless of the approach to composition instruction. (MS)

Notes that, although linguistics has had little influence on composition pedagogy, the study of functional grammar or linguistic performance (how language is actually used) is of direct value to composition theory. Offers an extended discussion of a functional approach to punctuation instruction, and proposes a functional approach in other areas…

Determines whether the textbook "Elements of Writing" is an improvement over "Warriner's" which it replaces. Considers how in determining whether a textbook promotes the curriculum and daily activities that lead to a rich perspective of writing, teachers need to consider what it means for a textbook to focus on writing and what teachers mean by…

Questions the required use of over-sized pencils as writing implements in kindergarten. Evaluates eight writing samples written with eight tools of different sizes and shapes. Reports no noticeable differences in the conventionality (form) of the letters, in directionality, or in spelling. (KEH)

Presents a case study, which attends closely to the 1941, 1946 version of the "Harbrace College Handbook" (HCH) and reads its exercises through a Foucauldian lens. Suggests that the exercises contained within the HCH discipline not only the student as writer, but also the student as thinker. (SC)

Examines the writing assignments and instruction in 30 introductory literature textbooks. Finds three types of writing assignments: the "ever popular" critical paper, the expressive paper, and the literary paper. Presents excerpts of student papers to demonstrate that writing on expressive and literary topics can help students see the…

Examines how four teachers respond to their students' creative writing. Describes how they shape their comments. Analyzes what those comments suggest about their teaching styles and classroom goals. (TB)

Examines the ways in which composition essay anthologies shape and reflect the beliefs and teaching approaches of composition teachers. Focuses on how anthologies treat a widely reproduced essay, E.B. White's "Once More to the Lake." (TB)

Reports on a study that examines the planning and revising of ninth-grade coauthors to determine how collaborative writing socializes and impacts the writing process. Finds that the students' writing processes tended to resemble those of more expert writers--planning, composing, and revising collapsed into a truly recursive process. (TB)

Criticizes the focus among some educators upon the writing process. Notes that all writers do not follow the same process and that teaching students otherwise oversimplifies writing instruction and diminishes efforts to improve it. Explains a "scaffolding" approach which involves outlining of increments in a writing process without…

Reports on a study that sought to describe and better understand the idea of three high school teachers as writers. Describes the potentials and problems of the idea in practice. Examines how writing teachers' own writing experiences shape their approaches in the classroom. (TB)