Describes several basic writing research projects that reported results in the 1990's. Discusses the role of gender, the needs of special student populations, the influence of technology, and the importance of various testing and teaching strategies in writing programs. (16 references) (MAB)

Describes a two-year study to determine the relationship between initial evaluations of student placement essays and progress in a developmental writing course sequence at a midsize university. Finds a positive relationship and presents the methodology as a model for assessment, citing its adaptability, minimal costs, and improved program…

Discusses the effects of sexism in education and the means by which educators can reduce it. Indicates that developmental educators are in a unique position to counteract sexism. Contains suggestions for overcoming sexism in five areas of developmental education (math, reading, writing, counseling, and administration) and in the classroom. (35…

Contends that autobiographic writing, specifically copy change poetry, helps developmental students to connect prior experiences with present identity, to become more aware of their feelings, to think about decisions and their consequences, and to construct meaning based upon personal choices. Describes copy change as a simple procedure involving…

Presents a qualitative research study which thematically analyzes e-mail conversations exchanged by graduate students in a developmental writing program. Focuses on the relationship between these teachers and their students and addresses key issues in basic writing theory and practice. Suggests that graduate students can offer a unique perspective…

Theorizing that college is a cross-cultural experience for all students and faculty, examines students' experiences in completing a psychology paper and explores the ways a Psychology Writing Lab (PWL) served as mediator for instructor and student. Indicates that students in the PWL procrastinated less, chose more appropriate articles, understood…

Presents results from a study of eight college freshman to determine differences between revising essays on-screen and on-paper. Eighty-one percent of on-screen changes were above the mechanical or word level, often related to meaning and content. Students working on-screen tended to add more information and recreate paragraphs, but sometimes…

Asserts that taking Introduction to College Writing, a fundamental writing course at Central Missouri State University, improves student academic achievement by developing their basic writing skills and preparing them for more advanced, general education writing courses. (VWC)

Contends that student writing compositions and instructor feedback offer special benefits when rendered orally via audiocassette. Promotes a "reader-based" writing sensibility in students, who read their work onto cassette tape, and allows greater flexibility in grading and critiquing for instructors, who return the tape with detailed comments.…