In literature instruction, a log notebook can help cultivate a critical consciousness through dialogical exercises involving the student's personal ongoing questioning, responding, rereading, reformulating, or revising earlier assignments. Sequences writing assignments can be used to stimulate dialectical thinking and writing. (MSE)

A whole-class exercise used in college composition classes to demonstrate the writing process is described. The class works together to produce a collaborative paper, in rough draft, in one hour. Steps used to produce it include specification of topic, discussion of purpose and audience, prewriting for ideas, development of thesis and outline,…

A technique found useful in a college literature appreciation class is to have students write their reactions to or questions about the day's class, anonymously, on note cards, for the teacher's perusal. The exercise provides information about what is or is not being learned and allows tracking of student development. (MSE)

A technique for starting college students on research paper projects is outlined. The approach, requiring students to begin with a five-minute writing exercise that can form the nucleus of a longer, more intellectually demanding paper involving library work, is felt to stimulate critical thinking and minimize plagiarism. Phased report development…

A grid system designed to help students and other writers exploit familiar forms of discourse for better thinking and composing is outlined. The technique helps link topic and discourse form innovatively, promotes understanding of the contextual character of every writing task, and can encourage students to read in order to master writing…

As illustrated in one college world literature course, videotape recording projects that require students to interpret and perform literary works can encourage them to incorporate their new learning with their own experiences. In the process, history becomes more real and literary works become more understandable and relevant. (MSE)

A college history teacher describes a student research project on World War II involving archival newspaper research, interviews with older adults, and comparing perceptions of the individuals interviewed with news reports. Group decision making was involved, students benefitted from exposure to others' personal war experiences, and student…

One college teacher's approach to writing instruction focuses on grading to encourage learning, using a marking system that clarifies distinctions between content and mechanics, and removes the punitive aspect of grading. The system is rewarding and motivational for both students and teacher. In addition, the course includes individual…

Use of in-class writing assignments in a college chemistry course, intended to help students form and express new concepts, was also found to increase students' sense of participation and feeling of control over learning and to help the instructor assess learning and further instructional needs. Some resistance was also discovered. (MSE)

This article discusses college-level writing assignments designed to stimulate students to (1) explore initial student attitudes, (2) activate prior knowledge, (3) increase subject relevance, (4) clarify and organize course material, (5) connect new and previously known material, (6) improve critical thinking skills, and (7) develop and strengthen…

Three courses in the adult education division of Loyola University (Louisiana) combined religious studies and literature appreciation using an interdisciplinary, team-taught approach. Instruction was guided by the metaphor of conversation, first through collegial discussion of the ideas underlying the courses and later, in the classroom, in the…

In one college course in colonial history, students read and review one of several designated books, then share their reviews with small groups at the culmination of study of that topic. Discussion groups then answer and discuss synthesis questions about the books. Student response to the approach has been positive. (MSE)

The technique of having college economics students write brief reaction papers in response to assigned readings has been found to be useful in motivating and enhancing student preparedness for classroom discussions. The reaction papers also helped students study for exams and develop writing skills. (MSE)

Techniques developed to improve student participation and student evaluation in a large-group college course in advertising include role playing in talk-show-style discussions of controversial issues, breaks in lectures to play a trivia game, a three-minute writing assignment, teacher movement among students, and changes in testing policies and…