Examines common curricular needs in written language instruction, and the advantages of using micorocmputers to teach descriptive writing. An example of an interactive computer-assisted instructional model for writing is discussed. Fourteen references are listed. (MER)

Noting that computer instruction for teaching composition is generally limited to the component skills of spelling, punctuation, and grammar, this paper proposes a program that can help elementary school students use computers to generate ideas for descriptive writing. The first section of the paper provides orientation procedures designed to…

A practicum used an integrated writing approach to improve 28 third-graders' ability to write descriptive paragraphs. The program consisted of two strategies: a process approach and a step-by-step approach. Success was measured by comparing the statistics of a pretest and a posttest and through observation, computer generated worksheets, and…

Description of a writing project for sixth graders includes hearing excerpts read from Brent Staples' memoirs, then creating their own multimedia memoirs drawn from their life experiences. Project topics include observing the decay of a neighborhood or death of a relative or neighbor. A list of 17 memoirs written by ethnic minorities for use with…

This "Instructor" Supplement on middle school education, presents articles on new research and materials, adolescent development, reasons for teaching middle school, moving toward a middle school curriculum, peer teaching, multimedia software, murder mysteries, ancient China, geometry, teamwork, descriptive writing, literature, problem solving,…