An exercise derived from observation of students' common notetaking practices is designed to make plagiarism less likely by involving the student in the writing from the beginning and by making the notetaking process more efficient. (MSE)

The assignment of frequent, short, specific writing tasks related to reading assignments encourages active reading of the text, does not overwhelm poorer readers, and teaches important lessons about proof, quotation, and economy in writing. (MSE)

In literature instruction, a log notebook can help cultivate a critical consciousness through dialogical exercises involving the student's personal ongoing questioning, responding, rereading, reformulating, or revising earlier assignments. Sequences writing assignments can be used to stimulate dialectical thinking and writing. (MSE)

A whole-class exercise used in college composition classes to demonstrate the writing process is described. The class works together to produce a collaborative paper, in rough draft, in one hour. Steps used to produce it include specification of topic, discussion of purpose and audience, prewriting for ideas, development of thesis and outline,…

A technique found useful in a college literature appreciation class is to have students write their reactions to or questions about the day's class, anonymously, on note cards, for the teacher's perusal. The exercise provides information about what is or is not being learned and allows tracking of student development. (MSE)

Describes a writing assignment in which students are required to research, individually, an aspect of their college and present results as an alumni magazine article. A second, collaborative assignment brings the class together to write about a significant campus issue. Benefits include better knowledge of the college, its programs, and its…

A case study writing exercise used in a course on parasitology was found to be a powerful learning experience for students because it involved discipline-based technical writing and terminology, brought the students in as evaluators, applied current learning, caused interaction among all students, and simulated real professional activities. (MSE)

In one technical writing course, students write frequently in journals in a variety of exercises, including summarizing articles for other students, responding to topics introduced in class, writing drafts of papers, and clarifying teacher comments. The technique has proven effective in helping students organize thoughts and develop writing…

A technique for starting college students on research paper projects is outlined. The approach, requiring students to begin with a five-minute writing exercise that can form the nucleus of a longer, more intellectually demanding paper involving library work, is felt to stimulate critical thinking and minimize plagiarism. Phased report development…

A grid system designed to help students and other writers exploit familiar forms of discourse for better thinking and composing is outlined. The technique helps link topic and discourse form innovatively, promotes understanding of the contextual character of every writing task, and can encourage students to read in order to master writing…

As illustrated in one college world literature course, videotape recording projects that require students to interpret and perform literary works can encourage them to incorporate their new learning with their own experiences. In the process, history becomes more real and literary works become more understandable and relevant. (MSE)

A coding system expediting grading of student reports in a marketing class is described. The system uses twelve codes corresponding to constructive criticisms of content and form, allowing the teacher to comment while reading and to read more efficiently. A brief summary can also be included. Most frequent codes are recorded in the gradebook to…

A college history teacher describes a student research project on World War II involving archival newspaper research, interviews with older adults, and comparing perceptions of the individuals interviewed with news reports. Group decision making was involved, students benefitted from exposure to others' personal war experiences, and student…

One college teacher's approach to writing instruction focuses on grading to encourage learning, using a marking system that clarifies distinctions between content and mechanics, and removes the punitive aspect of grading. The system is rewarding and motivational for both students and teacher. In addition, the course includes individual…

Use of in-class writing assignments in a college chemistry course, intended to help students form and express new concepts, was also found to increase students' sense of participation and feeling of control over learning and to help the instructor assess learning and further instructional needs. Some resistance was also discovered. (MSE)