This study investigated differences in the writing styles of African American and European American test takers using a portfolio entry assessment as a means of examining writing style, focusing on language choice, rhetorical style, and organization. The portfolio entry was from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Middle…

This paper explores what, and how, student teachers may learn about theory and practice from writing cases, examining some of the features of the pedagogy that may contribute to these results. The paper draws upon data collected from a quarter-long teacher education course, "Principles of Learning for Teaching," that is offered in the Stanford…

Two studies were conducted to determine the impact of instructional rubrics on the development of students' writing skills and their understanding of the qualities of good writing. In the first study, 303 eighth graders were given an instructional rubric before writing 1 of 3 different types of essays. Results suggest that an instructional rubric…

This paper provides a summary of well established, conventional thinking on the importance of writing to the language learning process. Writing is a central element of language. Any reading and language arts program must consider the multidimensional nature of writing in instructional practices, assessment procedures, and language development. The…

This book consists of two complete units on soil. The first unit is created for lower elementary students and the second one is for upper elementary grade levels. The units are designed for gifted students and encourage students to be responsible for their own education. Each unit is based on an interdisciplinary approach. Suggestions for…

Individualization in freshman composition is necessitated not only by the individual differences of students but also by their varying writing competencies. (Editor)

Offers suggestions for developing interactive language programs for classroom use using a microcomputer, and cites educational principles involved: concern is production of language; children learn language by modeling; computer is motivating factor; and student should not be passive receiver of computer program. A program entitled "Writing…

Reports the results of a questionnaire on student attitudes toward being referred to a writing lab and recommends that writing instructors be more sensitive to concerns of those students. (AEA)

Some practical tips for college students on how to succeed in getting good grades are provided. Different strategies for taking multiple choice and essay tests, and hints on how to write term papers are discussed. (MLW)

Considers the impact of teacher responses to student writing. Notes the need for a greater identification by the teacher of the overall work that students present for evaluation and feedback. Offers guidelines for responding in more qualitative ways to student writing. (RL)

Contrasts, through portraits of five young writers, the writing strategies of children used at home and in a kindergarten writing center that stressed a formal language arts program. Argues that the teacher's approach to writing instruction and the child's writing strategies must be compatible to ensure independent writers. (HTH)

Emphasizes that private liberal arts colleges must compensate for declining enrollments by admitting students who are underprepared for college-level work, and discusses financial and attitudinal barriers to doing so. Reviews the problems encountered by Skidmore College and its responses, including its basic writing curriculum, writing lab, and…

The law review, it is suggested, is a species of publication that exists primarily to be written, not to be read. How the institution came into being, how a law review actually functions, and the consequences of the dominant law review pattern for legal education and the profession are examined. (Author/MLW)

Cheating by students in academic assignments, especially term papers, cheating on tests, and altering or forging a university document are discussed. Efforts of the University of Maryland to crack down on cheating and to produce a workable code of student conduct are described. (MLW)