Development and implementation of a holistic method for scoring writing assignments in a college general education chemistry course are described. The system included assessment of discrete elements in the paper's focus, appearance, content, and structure according to specific criteria. The approach saved considerable scoring time and enhanced…

This case study describes a boy from kindergarten through third grade with above average intelligence but difficulty learning to read, write, and spell. The paper emphasizes the human approach to learning, which took into account the boy's strong points, unique learning style, strong sense of responsibility, and the need to alleviate feelings of…

Three cases of use of collaborative learning techniques in the college classroom are described: a developmental mathematics course, a graduate-level writing project, and college science instruction. Each case includes description of specific class activities and assignments, results, and teacher concerns and comments. (MSE)

Literature-based children's literacy programs usually lack cultural foundation on the part of teachers providing the instruction. A framework for a cultural base for educators addresses this cultural gap. A series of professional development activities is presented that reflects the theoretical framework and increases cultural sensitivity. (SLD)

Common instructional practices in the teaching of language minority students are described. The case study of a fourth grade classroom in Longmont (Colorado) illustrates how a teacher's enthusiasm for literacy instruction creates an environment where all students, including the Hispanic language minority, can be active participants. (SLD)

Scaffolding is a conceptual framework through which educators rethink the in-school learning experience. The following three models of culturally sensitive scaffolding offer important lessons for literacy education: (1) signifying and interpreting "speakerly texts"; (2) talk story, turn taking, and classroom discussion; and (3) community…

Discusses the rationale and attributes of the whole-language approach and applies it to secondary social studies instruction. Describes assessment strategies used with the whole-language approach and maintains that evaluation of student writing helps prepare them for appraisal in the workplace. (CFR)

The study used a qualitative approach to examine the development of metacognitive awareness strategies among student writers. The purposes of the study were to determine the indices of metacognitive awareness strategies used by students, the role of preservice teachers, and the relevance of instructional strategies. Participants were preservice…

Classroom assessment of writing is considered from an anthropological perspective as practitioners' tool use. Pan Canadian data from a 2002 English teacher questionnaire (N = 4070) about self-reported assessment practices were analyzed in terms of tool choice and use by secondary teachers of different experience and qualification levels. Four…

The first step in an improvement effort involves reflection and goal setting. By focusing inward and identifying needs, a person or a school can make great changes. This article discusses how a writing center can be a locus for change within a school. Most high school writing centers start because a few English teachers share a passion for…

This study investigated the relationship of first-language (L1) and second-language (L2) writing processes and possible effects of L2 writing instruction in an academic context on L1 and L2 writing strategies and attitudes. Specifically, the study asked whether (1) there are similarities and/or differences between Turkish and English writing…

A project at Texas State Technical College developed a curriculum to bridge the gap between the competency level of persons who enter college having completed the secondary component of a tech prep program and those who had not. The project used a technical advisory committee, two task forces, and a panel of experts to identify the competency…

A collection of essays addresses issues in alternative assessment in English as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction. Chapter 1, "Toward a Definition of Alternative Assessment," (Priscilla Butler) gives an overview of the concept of alternative assessment and introduces some theoretical considerations. Chapter 2, "The Roots of…

This issue focuses on learning disabilities of adult literacy students. The 11 papers in the journal were developed from research done by the authors at an intensive summer institute in 1994. After an introduction and a description of the summer institute (Martha Merson), the following papers are included: "Lucie: Is She or Isn't She?" (Meryl…

Two studies illustrate the concern that the connection between teachers' beliefs and their instructional practices can be a troublesome one if beliefs are informed by formalist thinking related to truth and caring in the teaching conversation. Subjects, 21 middle school language arts teachers and 216 eighth-grade students were asked what they…