Suggests topics and assignments to elicit real, authentic, and expressive student writing. Such "real writing" tasks ask students to look inside themselves and to write genuine responses and about actual feelings and beliefs. (TM)

Suggests that the telling of vivid stories can help engage elementary students' emotions and increase the chances of fostering an interest in Texas history. Suggests that incorporating elements of the process approach to writing can merge with social studies objectives in creating a curriculum for wisdom. (RS)

Discusses Judy M. Pitts, academician, in memorium. Profiles her first year in academe; the role of research in her teaching (including examples of assignments); the focus of her research on information needs, seeking, and use; and her role as a teacher and service provider. (Author/AEF)

Describes a study that examined decisions made by secondary school students as they completed an assignment that required them to seek and use information. Results indicated that a learning experience is composed of a variety of intertwined "learning strands." Educators should recognize that learning on one strand can support learning on…

Investigates the effectiveness of the story impression method--a prewriting activity that develops a schema for ideas found in the story. Suggests that students enjoy using the story clues to write a prestory. Finds that story impressions are a powerful tool for helping all readers (including remedial readers) improve their comprehension. Appends…

Demonstrates ways in which students can use popular media sources for the purpose of research in rhetorical and cultural study. States that students come away with a better understanding of how the media usually only take one side or the other. (PA)

Offers numerous classroom activities, primarily writing and experimental activities, in which students have an opportunity to discover the prevalence of gender bias in language, thought, and behavior, its impact on their lives, and how to honor gender differences and to validate their own unique strengths. (SR)

Examines contexts for writing and response in a graduate education seminar including native and nonnative English speakers. Considers how the instructor communicated expectations for writing assignments, how students performed, and how students' writing was evaluated. Argues that student writing occurs in a multidimensional context where…

Presents three detailed writing activities involving: writing "circle poems" in the Indian spirit; writing a tall tale; and writing with a historical slant. Notes that these imaginative writing assignments are adaptable to any educational level and fit in almost anyplace in the history or social studies curriculum. (RS)

Describes having students write an organizational analysis paper as part of a collaborative writing project in a human relations course. Discusses initial group formation and outlines the project. (SR)

Senior seminars established at St. Mary's College (Maryland) as capstone courses for majors are intended to offer an interdisciplinary perspective and enable students to demonstrate mastery of skills. Assignments typically include writing a major paper, conducting a research project, or leading a class discussion. (MSE)

Examines the issue of breaking administration rules against certain kinds of school assemblies. Describes how one teacher was able to perform an original play under such restrictions. Presents the responses of students, the teacher, and administrators after the play was successfully performed. (HB)

A review of the literature on effects of homework for students with and without disabilities offers a homework process model, and suggests that homework policies and practices for students with learning disabilities should emphasize: simple, short assignments; careful monitoring by and prominent rewards from teachers; and parental involvement to…

Describes the design and implementation of a major collaborative assignment in which students investigate and produce written and oral solutions to a problem with a national perspective experienced by a community corporation, business, governmental, or not-for-profit organization. (KEH)

Gives suggestions for books and activities that can be used to take children on literary trips. Provides 77 annotations of educational resources for literary trips to Russia and China that cover the curriculum areas of reading, writing, and the expressive arts. (MG)