Describes an assignment for high school or college literature classes in which students focus on a particular character, answer a list of questions about that character, and eventually write an imagined yet realistic dialog with that character. Notes that this helps students grasp a character's complexity and depth. (SR)

Reviews "Great Debate" over code emphasis versus meaning emphasis in reading instruction, concluding incidental instruction provided by writing activities of whole language do not guarantee alphabetic understanding. Attempts to disassociate instruction in alphabetic coding from criticism of components of whole-language instruction and challenges…

A nursing college compiled data on the number, type, and length of writing assignments required of students in bachelor's and associate degree programs. Information was used by faculty to collaborate on development of assignments and to identify ways to facilitate reflective practice. (SK)

Presents guidelines for introducing secondary students to "King Lear" before and during engagement with the text. Includes providing opportunities to (1) improvise, (2) examine specific speeches in depth, and (3) speed write about a character's thoughts. Presents questions used during auditions and explanations of characterization in…

Offers a writing exercise intended for college English classes, which offers a hypothetical case to be considered (along with directions for papers and additional leads) that prompts students to consider ceremonial uses of language (such as the "Pledge of Allegiance") and various issues related to it. (SR)

Addresses students' writing that often requires special attention. Considers this in relation to violent fantasies. Discusses censorship in relation to student writing. Recommends finding out whether the law requires educators to report any evidence of illegal activity to the police. (SG)

Presents and explains a framework that can be used to determine the potential authenticity of teaching practices. Describes the potential for authenticity offered by thematic literacy instruction. (SR)

Discusses five ideas for writing projects designed for high school students, including the church story, the house story, the newspaper story, and teaching the library "our" way. (PA)

Describes how Frederick Douglass's "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" can be used to explore differences between biography and autobiography, and how a personal account can be used to change attitudes of others. Presents poems written by 10th- and 11th-grade students composed after reading Douglass's…

Suggests that acquaintance with nurses' writing would help instructors design assignments for nursing students in basic technical writing courses. Investigates the importance of writing tasks for nurses and describes the most common documents nurses generate, since good writing skills for nurses improve health care delivery and promote…

Considers how business writing class instructors generally assign reports that require source notations in a specific format. Discusses developing questions to be asked with middle or senior level managers at several different businesses. Presents a discussion of the interview results. Provides strong support for requiring students to reference…

Describes assignments that link Gary Soto's novel "Taking Sides" to a collection of Latino poetry. Notes that the students' final presentations were successful, as indicated by their enthusiasm and engagement throughout. (RS)

A collaborative effort between business and chemistry resulted in a class project called the Proteomics Stock Market Project. The project includes biochemical and marketing concepts, technology, writing assignments and group work.

A team of secondary school language teachers and a teacher trainer developed a new method for Dutch writing instruction. The principles underlying the method were derived from insights regarding activating instruction and self-directed student learning. The development entailed two phases. In the first phase, the exploration of actual problems in…

In this study, we assessed small and large group discussions and repeated writing assignments with the intent to objectively measure the values of these learning pedagogies. We crafted a model where students researched a question, formulated a written answer, discussed it with their peers, and revised their answers. Then, we did it with repetition…