Describes a flexible format for a literature unit which avoids the problems associated with a structure which is too rigid or allows too much latitude for students. Notes that the students produce some excellent thinking and writing. (MG)

This qualitative study details four elementary/middle school-level teachers' perceptions of external factors which tended to support or interfere with their initial efforts to implement a process writing approach. These factors included the building administrators, other teachers, state and local mandates, and student response to the innovation.…

Examines professors' resistance to implementing writing as learning. Contends that certain strategies can help inhibited teachers become receptive to writing-intensive courses. Combines strategies with surveys and observations of faculty implementing writing-intensive courses to produce a specific sequence of steps for overcoming professor…

Curriculum modifications are presented, along with empirical support when available, for teaching spelling vocabulary to students with learning disabilities. The article discusses selecting words to be learned, daily testing and practice of small word sets, strategy training, self-regulation, motivation, students helping each other, and frequent…

Discusses the use of writing assignment in mathematics class. Provides a peer-conference checklist and samples of students' works. Describes some of the experiences, types of assignments, and grading. Seven references are listed. (YP)

A fifth grade teacher describes ways to curtail tattling in the classroom by teaching students to express themselves in writing. When a problem arises, students are encouraged to write notes explaining their side of the story. The teacher reads the notes, talks with the students involved, and handles things accordingly. (SM)

A Kentucky kindergarten teacher describes the conceptualization, planning, and implementation of a writing program she designed for her students. She discusses the impact of writing activities on reading, phonics, and spelling development. Included are samples of pupil writing and an explanatory letter to parents explaining the program. (IAH)

Describes a strategy which uses writing to help students learn science concepts. Provides a description of the target population, a justification for the various components of the strategy, and information on brainstorming and concept map formation. Reports that use of this method enhances students' interest, motivation, and understanding of…

A five-step procedure is presented for using wordless picture books to encourage language development in hearing-impaired students. The students "read" the books, write the story ideas and illustrate the story, review the story for comprehension, and complete creative writing activities. A bibliography of picture books for elementary-level…

A study compared the writing productivity, syntactic maturity, vocabulary, and mechanics of 48 learning-disabled and 48 normally achieving students in grades 4, 8, and 11. Learning-disabled students' written products were shorter, contained fewer sentences with more words per sentence, included fewer long words, and had more spelling and…

Reviewed are three computer software packages for use in middle/high school classrooms. Included are "MacWrite II," a word-processing program for MacIntosh computers; "Super Story Tree," a word-processing program for Apple and IBM computers; and "Math Blaster Mystery," for IBM, Apple, and Tandy computers. (CW)

The study with three sixth-grade learning-disabled students found that a self-instructional strategy to facilitate the generation, framing, and planning of argumentative essays had a positive effect on the students' writing performance and self-efficacy. Effects were maintained over time and transferred to a new setting and new writing genre.…

Offers suggestions for structuring the writing of paragraphs about data tables and conclusions. States that data tables usually contain: the central or most typical value and the variation or spread within the data. Provides steps for writing a paragraph and an evaluation of effectiveness. (RT)

Presents an overview of intelligent computer-assisted language instruction (ICALI) research as a type of artificial intelligence research. Outlines the components and kinds of ICALI systems. Examines practical research considerations such as personnel needs for development of ICALI software. (Author/LS)

Among the many teaching strategies that actively engage students are writing tasks, speaking activities, small-group activities, case-study methods of instruction, simulations, role plays, and field studies. The use of writing and small-group discussion by teaching assistants is discussed. (MLW)