Four research models used by schools to study writing across the curriculum are compared and discussed briefly, reasons for conducting such research are considered, and recommendations are provided for those interested in conducting similar research. The models cited were used in New Jersey, Toronto (Canada), and Perth (Australia). (PGD)

Warns that researchers should be wary of student writers' accounts of their writing processes. Suggests that reasonable, coherent, even captivating accounts are limited by problems of attendance, memory, and reporting and may not be based on recall but on other cognitive processes. (FL)

A study examined the feasibility of e-mail tutoring at Winthrop University, a medium-sized state supported liberal arts university with limited technology access. Initially it looked at the questions of directive versus nondirective methods in tutoring, but it quickly spread to questions of submission, formatting, and strategy. A total of 26…

Concludes that syntax as an isolated factor carries no special effects on the two factors comprising ethos--authoritativeness and character. (FL)

Examines the description of the reading for revision process put forth in E. D. Hirsch's "The Philosophy of Composition," contending the research studies Hirsch uses are inconsistent and, taken together, do not support the general description of the reading process that underlies the argument of the book. (HTH)

Explores the nature of the composing process and considers classroom implications of the results of writing research. (AEA)

Examines the characteristics of a sound and effective writing workshop program and discusses steps for planning such a workshop. (HTH)

Reports the results of analysis of revisions in 100 randomly selected sets of 12th-grade students' essay drafts. Findings revealed that there are patterns of revising strategies among the students and that these differences are associated with the quality of their writing. (HOD)

Takes a systematic approach to defining and operationalizing the notion of discourse community, drawing on data from an ethnography of writing in a workplace setting. States that a single genre varied in form and function depending on the specific discourse communities in which it was used--writing events took on layered meanings in relation to…

Explores how an understanding of the nature and purposes of reports may help women gain recognition for accomplishments, both in conventional business settings and within feminized professions and spheres of activity. Uses a case study of report writing in a club to illustrate how work reports can provide a vehicle for elevating the perceived…

Studies use of cohesion in written stories of normally developing and language-learning disabled elementary children using Cohesive Harmony Analysis. Finds the proportion of words in chains (cohesive density) and chain interaction (cohesive harmony) was consistent across the elementary years. States that children with language-learning…

Considers how to represent students and their writings in composition research, specifically how to represent the students themselves. Suggests that when contemplating the "Guidelines for the Ethical Treatment of Students and Student Writing in Composition Studies," educators need to consider their epistemological stance, their choices in…

Notes that most studies of teacher-student interactive writing have examined only what the students do, ignoring issues of power, status, and experience in such situations. Examines one teacher-student exchange of messages, focusing on what strategies made the adult writer effective. Argues that the teacher used his experience but not his power.…

Examines significant new business proposal efforts for United States Department of Defense contracts. Identifies six "pillars" of a contractor's proposal preparation costs. Derives a formula that characterizes proposal preparation costs. Demonstrates that a quick, accurate cost model can be developed for proposal publishing. (RS)

Presents Martin Greenspan's four-stage (preparatory, incubation, illumination, and verification) model of the creation of new thought. Argues that this model provides a way of seeing, identifying, and understanding features of writing to learn and learning to write that other composition theories have not permitted. (RS)