Proposes combining peer-response exercises from Peter Elbow and Pat Belanoff's book "Sharing and Responding" with the series of written peer critiques in Kenneth Bruffee's "A Short Course in Writing." Argues that these types of peer criticism work best in tandem in the collaborative classroom, capturing the struggle between individual expression…

An elementary teacher presents suggestions for helping students focus their thinking, find a central theme, and develop story ideas for writing. She describes how to demonstrate focus in writing (via teacher's writing, professional authors, and student's writing) and how to develop focus when conferencing. (SM)

Thirty-eight healthy females measured maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) on the cycle ergometer and treadmill to compare five exercise tests (run, walk, step, and two tests using heart-rate response on the bicycle ergometer) in predicting VO2max. Results indicate that walk and run tests are satisfactory predictors of VO2max in 30- to 39-year-old…

At 16 senior centers, studied effectiveness of exercise and cognitive-behavioral programs, compared to discussion control program, in reducing falls and injuries among 230 older adults. After one year of programs, observed no significant difference in time to first fall among groups. Secondary outcome measures such as strength, balance, fear of…

Presents a series of exercises to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful hand disorder caused by stressful and repetitive motions. (SM)

Four kinds of writing can take place in classrooms: writing as punishment, writing as assessment, writing to learn, writing instruction. First type should never occur, because it reinforces all negative qualities of transcription. This article tells principals what to look for in good writing program and offers tips for encouraging English…

Describes an activity to encourage students to write with specific details. Notes that (at the beginning of each class) students briefly jot down three things that have made them feel good on that particular day. Notes several other benefits of this activity. (SR)

It was hypothesized that leisure behavior and perceptions of internal and external competence were positively related. Elderly subjects completed questionnaires measuring exercise activities, perceived competence, and intrinsic leisure motivation. Correlations between exercise behaviors and internal and external competence supported the validity…

As personal fitness trainers move into the mainstream, physicians are increasingly recommending them to patients as part of ongoing health programs. Personal trainers provide personalized fitness programs, including exercise prescriptions and guidelines and nutrition information. The article explains how physicians can find qualified trainers for…

Notes that students new to technical writing frequently have difficulty grasping the essentiality of technical definitions and learning how to create appropriate definitions. Suggests that exercises centered around a term that is lapsing into obsolescence offer some productive solutions to this common instructional problem. (RS)

Eleven male triathletes were studied to determine the relationships between selected metabolic measurements and triathalon performance. Oxygen uptake, pulmonary ventilation, and heart rate were measured during freestyle swimming, cycling, and treadmill running. Economy of effort was an important determinant of performance. (JD)

Looks closely at the words of Whitman's "Song of Myself" to get a closer look at the mystery of poetry. Discusses how Whitman's work can be used with students to inspire their writing. (MG)

Offers a 20-item list (put together by high school students) of features characteristic of Whitman's poems. Uses the list of features to write original poetry. Offers additional writing ideas for use with Walt Whitman's poetry. (MG)

Epidemiologic data suggest that regular moderate exercise boosts immunity, but intense training may reduce it. Objective data do not clearly show a J-shaped relationship between exercise and immune function. Nutritional, hygienic, exercise, environmental, and pharmacologic strategies can minimize risks of infection. Practical measures to reduce…

A survey completed by 1237 adults with severe visual impairments found that 20% described the quality of their sleep as poor or very poor. Exercise was associated with better sleep and depression with poorer sleep. However, visual acuity did not predict sleep quality, casting doubt on the idea that restricted visual input (light) causes sleep…