Students in four eighth grade communications arts classes wrote two stories--one using a word processor and one written manually. Participants' attitudes toward writing and editing were assessed. Stories were graded for overall competence, organization, support of ideas, and mechanics; a subsample received detailed analysis. Word processed stories…

Middle school students with learning disabilities were successfully taught the COPS monitoring strategy to revise and correct writing mistakes. Steps in the strategy include capitalization of appropriate letters, overall appearance of paper, punctuation used correctly, and spelling accuracy. (JDD)

Followed the computer-assisted writing of three prekindergarten children for two semesters. At the beginning of the year, the children exhibited preliterate levels of writing ability and limited reading skills. At the end of the year, they were writing connected text, using a mix of invented and standard spellings. (BC)

This response to Englert's article (EC 602 935) on sociocultural factors in teaching writing to students with learning disabilities addresses the application of social constructivist theory. It notes that the success of the Cognitive Strategy Instruction in Writing program may be not only attributable to its holistic social emphasis but also to…

Describes the use of computers for evaluating the Alaska Writing Program (AWP), a computer-based writing curriculum that was developed in the Yukon Koyukuk School District. The Computerized Instrument for Writing Evaluation (CIWE) is explained, and CIWE field test results are presented. (six references) (LRW)

This paper uses examples of the writing of profoundly hearing-impaired high school students and transcripts of teacher-student dialog to illustrate the evolution of thought in student writing. The development of a language arts curriculum that permitted students to explore, expand, and experience literary events is also described. (JDD)

Presents an interview with Walter Dean Myers, the 1994 recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for his novels depicting African American teenagers in urban America. Highlights include black stereotypes; writing from a black point of view; writing about a culture that's not your own; and readers identifying with characters. (LRW)

Explores the possible intersections between postmodern theory and educational change. Attacks recent backlashes against postmodernism as counterproductive. Describes today's students as inhabitants of a border region between modernism and postmodern culture, as seen in recent films about adolescents. Relates such a view to pedagogical change. (HB)

This paper reviews research indicating that children use images to improve comprehension and production of text; argues that images and sounds can effectively bring children's cultures into the classroom; and studies how eight elementary children used a multimedia composing environment, focusing on the nature of their preferred symbol systems and…

Describes a project in England in which a class of 9- to 11-year olds enthusiastically and successfully explored the play "Hamlet" by writing about, discussing, performing, and visually interpreting the actual text. The teacher suggests that, with a little creativity, Shakespeare is very accessible to children. (SM)

Proposes a framework for writing and evaluating scripts for narrative educational television that is aimed at producers and screenwriters and addresses essential elements of effective educational program design. Motivational factors are discussed, the target audience is considered, educational objectives are described, and examples from the Open…

"I-Search" reports are described as student research projects that use a first-person approach. Using the method with hearing-impaired students is described in the following steps: discussion of student responsibilities; choosing topics; exploring research possibilities; developing note taking, research, and organizational skills; oral-visual…

Warns against a complete reliance on the "writing process approach" in writing instruction, stressing that not all writers rely on rewriting and revision and that emphasis on group response does not necessarily lead to effective writing. Argues that the process approach discourages modeling and the use of well-known rhetorical patterns. (DMM)

Presents classroom-tested teaching tips from 100 years of issues of "Instructor." Suggestions are made in the areas of language arts, social studies, science, math, writing, classroom management, bulletin boards and displays, art, general curriculum activities, and critical thinking skills. (SM)

Provides guidelines to help teachers set up publication programs for young writers. Whether or not they get published, students benefit from that goal because they are more motivated to be creative. Steps to motivate students toward publication include assessing the market; shaping writing sessions; editing; and preparing for submission. (SM)