Argues that the perennial problem of boring student writing is solved when assignments provide writers with target readers, enabling students to find their appropriate voice. Discusses a sample assignment in which students explain how to do something they do well to readers who don't know how to do it. (JG)

Explains how to use various periodicals to demonstrate to composition students that writing style is both accessible and controllable. (AEA)

Advocates using the case approach in college writing classes. Suggests that asking students to play the roles of participants in a situation, whether real or imaginary, helps them learn to address a particular audience with a clear purpose. Offers a case approach with discussion questions and possible assignments. (RL)

Discusses technical writing textbooks and assignments that can be used in advanced courses in technical writing. (RL)

To aid in the understanding of "cases" for writing (defined as highly focused situations in which students assume a role that demands writing to specific audiences and for utilitarian purposes), this paper begins by outlining the problem case faced by the author: to present a convincing argument for the use of the case approach to composition. It…

Presents an assignment that helps technical writing students develop skills in preparing literature reviews. (RL)

Contends that the subtleties of good writing are best learned by imitating proper models. Notes that the trick to using imitation in writing instruction is knowing how to assign imitations and differentiate them carefully from plagiarism. Offers exercises as suggestions and student writing as illustrations. (RL)

Describes both principles and use of the critical incident journal, in which the student in a college-level academic service learning program details experiences that change his perspective. The format requires students to describe their roles in the incidents, analyze their own and others' responses to it, and reflect on its impact on self and…

Describes writing assignments that other teachers may wish to present in their classes on women's issues. (CRH)

Describes how students are able to empathize with women writers and each other by reading and writing autobiography. (CRH)

A survey of 190 academic departments in 34 universities indicates that considerable variability exists across fields in the kinds of writing required and in preferred assessment topics. (FL)

Describes the college-level use of written reading reactions structured assignments requiring students to describe and react in writing to assigned reading, followed by classroom discussion in which all students must select and share ideas. The method is found to encourage on-time reading of assignments, broader student participation, higher…

Prepared for use by graduate students who are teaching their first courses in freshman composition, this guide offers principles, strategies, and activities that are adaptable to a variety of composition programs. The 44 daily lesson plans are arranged in 16 week-long units and cover such topics as sentence combining, participles, absolutes,…

Describes a technical writing course that meets the needs of students in English and the sciences. (RB)