Discusses how reading comprehension can be improved through research-validated instruction. Outlines emerging issues of comprehension instruction, such as the limits of word-recognition instruction, cognitive capacity constraints, and diverse text tasks. Contends that there needs to be experimental validation of comprehensive comprehension…

Business students were taught a total quality management-based outlining process for course readings and a tally method to measure learning efficiency. Comparison of 233 who used the process and 99 who did not showed that the group means of users' test scores were 12.4 points higher than those of nonusers. (Contains 25 references.) (SK)

Outlines effective and practical creative writing assignments given to literature students. Concludes that writing short, imaginative summaries provides a change of pace from the usual lecture, discussion, and group work formats of literature classes. (PM)

Details a creative writing assignment used in literature classes to help students better grasp the principles of literature from the inside out. Suggests this method should be employed more often in survey classes. (PM)

Explores rhetorical specification in writing tasks by examining responses to a poorly constructed task used in large-scale placement testing at a major university. Argues that fictional scenarios (writing prompts which give student writers a role to play) can be effective, provided that the roles created are reasonable ones for students to adopt.…

Argues that when the context supports sustained writing, both assigned and self-designed tasks can foster learning and commitment to writing. Reports on a case study of two graduate students in two universities. Finds that sustained writing, both of instructor- and self-designed tasks, can lead to positive intellectual and affective changes. (RS)

Describes a freshman composition course which employs problem-solving exercises as a writing improvement technique. Notes that sharing ideas while solving problems builds new writers' openness and trust, whereas thinking aloud prepares students to benefit from other writers' thinking protocol methods. Suggests that brainstorming can help students…

Describes a personal finance course which uses special assignments designed to improve oral and written communication skills. Discusses assignments such as journal writing, letter writing, discussions with guest speakers, researching major household purchases, and managing a personal investment portfolio. (RS)

Describes how to enhance the benefits of using the Carmen Sandiego educational software programs by building in generous amounts of creative fun and writing activities. Discusses journal writing, character sketches, letter writing, writing a book, and report writing. (RS)

Describes the collaboration between two teachers, involving six eighth grade and two ninth grade English classes, to present a unit reflecting the needs, hopes, and potential of the handicapped. Explains how volunteerism was incorporated into the classroom. Describes preparation, traveling to the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament, class…

Addresses advantages and disadvantages of routinely assigning textbook questions. Offers four approaches for making these assignments more meaningful, less frustrating and more enjoyable for students, including use of clustered questions, peer teaching, cooperative work groups, and assignment mentors. Provides guidelines for effective use of…

Reports a study of teachers' and writers' interpretations of scenario assignments. Finds that, among the three groups tested (graduate students trained to teach rhetoric, academically successful undergraduate students trained as tutors, and entering freshmen) experienced writers' interpretations adhered most closely to the interpretive community's…

Suggests a first writing assignment--an ungraded "practice" memo assignment--for the business writing class, which promotes good will between teacher and students, and offers the opportunity for class discussion on principles of business communication and business writing. (SR)

Suggests that sometimes making assignments "vague" places the burden of decision making and problem solving on students, requires that students invent and pursue their own questions, and demands that they practice independent thinking. (MS)

Encouraging students' use of satire, irony, and parody in college writing assignments is recommended to help students voice their concerns, think critically, and discover how a form of discourse contributes to both form and substance of the writing. Samples of student work illustrating the effectiveness of this approach are offered. (MSE)