Students dislike writing essay examinations as much as teachers dislike reading them. Perhaps no alternatives to the essay exam exist, but certainly the task can be lessened by altering the format of the essay exam. In an education class at a California university, students select in advance one essay question from a list of several, and field…

Describes the evolution of a final examination for a writing course emphasizing the process approach, student conferences, and revision through successive drafts. Discusses student responses to the new exam format and includes one student's exam essay. (HTH)

Compares the rhetorical context of essay exams with that of assignments written outside of class. Reports differences in pedagogical function, prompts, rhetorical function, mechanics, style, and organization. Refutes two common assumptions: that essay exams are not a genre and that they work against students' mastery of writing process skills.…

Compares the use of multiple choice and essay tests for student evaluation and asserts that essay tests are superior but have disadvantages. Presents a rationale and suggestions for implementing the guided essay approach to student evaluation. Includes an appendix with a guided essay format accompanied by a sample essay. (CFR)

The study described in this paper examined the use of the writing process as an instructional strategy for enhancing Afro-American preservice teachers' writing and reflective competence for teaching effectively. The major methodological concern focused on the pedagogical process for encouraging preservice teachers to integrate their beliefs and…

As part of an ongoing dialogue among teachers in California high schools, this sourcebook addresses some of the issues involved in teaching English/Language Arts at the secondary level. The sourcebook is divided into eight chapters, and begins with an overview answering questions concerning the California Model Curriculum Standards (MCS) for…