Although writing-across-the-curriculum (WAC) programs have been commonplace since the 1970s, the focus has largely been on the level of assessment and programmatic development and less on the instructors, particularly graduate teaching assistants (TAs), who adopt these practices. In this article, we describe a pilot WAC graduate-level course in…

Provides an overview of the "social constructionist" approach to teaching composition in sociology courses. Describes a course that is team taught by the authors and is based on the social constructionist paradigm. Stresses that sociological writing is a special type of discourse that can be taught most effectively by sociologists who…

Writing across the Curriculum (WAC) has been urged and tried by some of the best teachers and scholars of the past in ways similar to those of today's advocates and practitioners. WAC programs have staked their claims that writing is essential to learning; that it is necessary to write in order for students to see before them the words that…

Offers some tips to help make learning logs an integral part of mathematics instruction. Includes examples of learning logs. (KHR)

Presents a collaborative, writing-across-the curriculum staff development training model developed by Central Michigan University and a rural school district. Details the following: (1) the need, commitment, and delivery system; (2) team selection; (3) team training; (4) development of workshop schedules, content and formats; (5) implementation;…

In the last two decades, mathematics teachers have shown a great deal of interest in how students learn mathematics through journal writing. I have also used journals in mathematics classes for the last five years. Based on the analysis of more than 1800 journal entries written by approximately 200 students in the last five years, I conclude that…

Despite the widespread acceptance of many kinds of nonliterary texts for first-year writing courses, primary scientific communication (PSC) remains largely absent. Objections to including PSC, especially that it is not rhetorically appropriate or sufficiently rich, do not hold. We argue for including PSC and give some practical suggestions for…

Article presents suggestions for motivating elementary students to learn by combining science and writing. The strategies include planning the right environment; teaching the scientific method; establishing a link to literature; and making time for students to observe, experiment, and write. (SM)

Discusses two upper division writing-intensive courses, Sociological Theory and Sociology of Religion, offered at Millsaps College (Mississippi). Argues that greater emphasis on writing in the upper-division sociology courses allows students to become better learners and better sociologists. (DB)

This article describes steps taken to demystify the writing of chemistry as part of the development of a junior level writing course for chemistry majors at Northern Arizona University (NAU). Although the course is offered by the chemistry department, its conception, development, implementation, and assessment have been the result of an…

In initiating Writing across the Curriculum (WAC) on the campus of Emory University, project directors discovered inadvertently that an eclectic approach to the use of writing in the classroom was the most effective means of engaging Emory's faculty in a positive way. In short, Emory's WAC motto has become, "if it works; use it." As a…

Marion Sheridan, President of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) in 1949-50, questioned traditional values, defending or assaulting them as the circumstances of a rapidly changing world deemed necessary. The voice that spoke through her writing was instrumental in modifying English curriculum. She pioneered the use of film in the…

Describes the United Kingdom's National Writing Project, examining schools in Berkshire that emphasized writing to teach secondary school students science, math, design, and technology. Results suggest teachers need more knowledge about writing for learning in school subjects if they are going to stress the role of writing across the curriculum.…

This document brings together six papers on language skills and language arts teaching of gifted students. "The State of the Art Issues in Language Study for High Ability Learners: Thinking about Language with Gifted Children" (Michael Clay Thompson) considers two areas traditionally included in discussions of language study--grammar and…

Reviews literature on writing across the curriculum and describes its application in a computers for teachers course at the College of Charleston (South Carolina). The article describes the course requirements and purpose, writing assignments, the exam essay, and the relationship of writing assignments to teaching techniques. (SM)