Analyzes research on the behavior of writers and applies it to the development of writing curriculum. Includes an outline of an example of goals and objectives for teaching writing based on such an analysis. (MD)

Outlines the results of a followup study done in 1986 (10 years after the initial study) on why high school teachers can't effectively teach writing. The study finds that, despite reductions in class size, somewhat better teacher preparation, and higher awareness of administrators, the barriers to effective teaching of writing have not changed…

Provides information on current and anticipated course offerings, programs, and workshops or seminars in technical communication at 30 colleges. (FL)

Describes the four general categories of advanced technical writing courses: genre courses, general communication courses, rhetorical theory or history courses, and courses that use special pedagogical techniques or focus on a certain aspect of technical communication. Discusses implications for planning advanced courses. (HTH)

In a pilot study based on a project underwritten by the United States Department of Education to add more study of international issues to writing courses, revisions in content to both a first your and an advanced composition course were tested during 1993-94. The method for the classroom procedures was also changed to enhance the greater…

Argues that children want to write and enjoy writing and that teachers need to provide them with suitable opportunities for doing so. Discusses different kinds of writing that allow children's voices to come through. (FL)

Explores the reasons why speech and writing are taught independently of each other. Discusses some advantages of integrating the two curricula. Offers options for organizing courses. Provides examples of programs and resources. Describes a survey of writing program administrators regarding whether they integrate speech and writing curricula. (PRA)

Presents results from a survey of colleges and universities on writing across the curriculum (WAC) programs around the country--how they develop, the components that comprise them, and the premises that underlie them. Concludes that the WAC movement is a success. (HTH)

Surveys recent trends in the area of clear writing. Discusses the problem of incomprehensible language in functional writing (forms and documents). Considers solutions, particularly those developed by the Document Design Center. (PD)

Reviews research on effective writing instruction. Recommends ways to integrate that research with findings from research on struggling writers and effective teaching practices. Discusses a model of collaboration between researchers and curriculum developers aimed at helping publishers translate research into instructional practice. Illustrates…

A study examined elementary school writing instruction to determine (1) how frequently students are writing, (2) when in the curriculum writing occurs, and (3) in what forms the writing occurs. Data were collected in 75 elementary classrooms in 25 midwestern schools during a 15-day period. The data deviated little from what D. Graves reported in…

A study determined if there was a significant difference in the writing skills of eighth graders after they completed a writing class that based the method of instruction on the writing process. Subjects, 743 students in a midwestern school system, completed the class and were administered pretests and posttests. The results supported the…

Examines the scene of writing as an artifact of literary modernism and uses this examination as a basis for challenging common conceptions of writers and writing. Argues that the success of curriculum reform movements in the field of composition depend on revising this iconic view of writing to accommodate students and teachers. (JD)

Discusses how examination of the assessment criteria in a basic writing program prompted fruitful, continuing program evaluation and change. Reports that the assessment study validated efforts to deemphasize grammar and spelling instruction in basic writing courses. (MM)

There has been a shift of emphasis in research on the teaching of writing. The focus changed from the products of writing to writing processes. This has strong implications for instruction. Writing curriculum should be based on the organization of the cognitive processes involved in writing skills. (Author/VM)