Presents (in an unconventional, diary-like format) the comments of two writing instructors regarding the first author's attempt to revamp a writing course. Reflects on the current state of theoretical worry about teaching writing in a way that puts the authors in conversation with other writing teachers. (RS)

Argues that writing teachers must create an organic curriculum with the language of home and community at its core. Suggests that writing teachers help students examine language features, dialects, and language attitudes in their communities. Notes that such student inquiry influences class discussions and can reshape attitudes toward students'…

Describes a project for 7th graders that involves English and Texas history classes, and that includes 19th-century Texas history, several types of writing, and a great deal of creativity. (SR)

Describes the problem of allowing students to voice their opinions in research papers. Argues that seeing this as a problem points to pedagogical problems. Shows how student hesitancy to engage their opinions reflects their own developing epistemology. (HB)

Offers a day-by-day capsule summary calendar for a 30-day unit on law and ethics in a journalism class. Lists 24 journal-entry discussion topics. (SR)

Presents assignments as an important mechanism for developing writing skills and for learning about science. Describes a teaching strategy that allows a student's writing skills to develop while researching a particular science topic. Discusses topic selection, collection of information, drafting, and editing. (18 references) (JRH)

Finds that augmenting written comments on students' business writing assignments with audiotaped remarks motivated student writers, and improved feedback, context, and performance. (SR)

Explores the benefits of using a voice-graded writing approach, which offers instructors an opportunity to engage in virtual office critiquing of student assignments. (SR)

Identifies writing projects, children's literature, role-playing activities, and community resources that teachers can use in instructing young children about the Bill of Rights. Reminds teachers not to be overzealous in presenting the subject. Suggests that guest speakers and field trips are likely to have a greater impact upon students than most…

Describes several relevant library search assignments which stress the merits of secondary research in a business report writing course. Includes assignments on investment possibilities, employment opportunities, and group projects. (MM)

Reports study results concerning the effects of peer tutoring, library assistance, and extra credit incentives upon student research paper quality. Indicates that students who sought help got better grades. Reveals a strong correlation between the number of consultations and final research paper grades. Concludes that grade point average also was…

Discusses an alternative to the conventional close reading of a literary work in which students take on the role of any member of a film crew (director, screenwriter, filmscorer, etc.) and communicate how the scene would best be transferred to the screen. Notes that the activity cultivates critical analysis and serves as a springboard for personal…

Describes the life and work of Samuel Read Hall, an innovative educator who influenced the future of education. Includes information on his early life, his innovative use of the blackboard, and his development of the first school for educating teachers. Describes some of his methods of teaching history and geography, some of which are still used.…

Offers four practical ideas for classroom use within the field of literacy education: (1) "Press Conference: A Strategy for Integrating Reading with Writing"; (2) "Expressing Ethnic Identity through Brown-Bag Big Books"; (3) "Beanstalk Heroes: Jack and Jim in an Integrated Primary Curriculum"; and (4) "Reading the World around Us." (PRA)

Describes a technical writing assignment in which students learn to consider the needs of an audience through writing query letters. Discusses researching the magazine, comparing competitors, editors' responses, and the advantages results of the assignment. (PRA)