Reports on a study to determine if having students write about the work required in doing three types of exercises from elementary algebraic fractions would affect the students' error patterns on quizzes. The study involved six developmental studies in elementary algebra classes. (PK)

Discusses diagnostic information which can be gained from students' writing and presents examples of each, including error patterns, insights into where instruction should begin, failure of students to make connections, difficulties with independent work, clarifying student understanding, and student beliefs and attitudes. (42 references) (MKR)