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)

Discusses whether written or oral peer review is more successful in developmental composition courses. Concludes that while oral reviews are generally preferred by intermediate developmental students, the success of peer review depends on the conglomerate personality of the class itself, based on the students' writing ability, self-concept,…

Describes a case study of a basic writing student that was undertaken to examine the ways that low self-confidence can undermine a writer's voice and text. Emphasizes the important role basic writing instructors have in strengthening students' sense of self in addition to their intellectual competence. (MAB)

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…

Describes the design and implementation of a developmental English course for community college students still not performing at college level after a semester of remedial work. Discusses the theoretical background of the curriculum, book selection criteria, the course reading list, and classroom activities used to increase motivation and…

Describes a study conducted to investigate whether text-interactive instruction improved reading comprehension and writing performance of community college students enrolled in developmental reading courses. Students were taught to predict, infer, analyze, and evaluate while reading and to use their experiences and embedded textual cues to give…

Discusses barriers adult developmental-writing students face due to family, community, and work responsibilities. Explains how non-writing commitments affect the writing process, particularly by placing time constraints on students. Offers instructors classroom activities to help students contextualize their writing situations and to learn methods…

Describes the visual arts as a means of helping remedial reading and writing students to "see" the process of writing. Discusses the use of clay sculpting to demonstrate free-writing techniques, Venn-mobiles to demonstrate compare/contrast techniques, and wraps (felt "tortillas" and fillings) to demonstrate summary writing. (Contains 10…

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)