Forty-four undergraduates received different types of notes for review of a lecture (complete text, linear outline, or matrix), or received no notes. Any form of notes increased performance over no notes, with matrix and outline notes producing higher recall and matrix notes producing greatest transfer. (SLD)

Reports a protocol study of a freshman composition student to examine how significant a problem it actually is to learn to operate a computer, how influential students' expectations about computers are, whether the use of a computer promoted the importance of invention strategies, and whether computers encourage revision. (MS)

Examines the academic and linguistic needs of writers for whom English is a second language within the context of current research and publications on second language acquisition, affective variables that influence acquisition, the development of audience awareness, collaborative learning, "sheltered" content courses and…

The average scores of high-school students on the verbal section of the SAT fell slightly while students from minority groups continue to show improvement. Tables show SAT averages by sex, race, and ethnic group and ACT scores by sex, race and academic preparation. (MLW)

This study investigated the effects of manipulating design features of a computer-mediated text system, using 45 hearing-impaired subjects in grades four-six. A system design using motivational activities facilitated vocabulary knowledge and writing performance. Also analyzed were use of extrinsic motivational activities versus intrinsic, and…

Two articles describe the use of computer software to help elementary students develop literacy and writing skills: the first article evaluates "Writing to Read" software, comparing its use in classrooms and in computer labs with traditional instruction; the second article discusses using "Writing to Write" software with third graders. (LRW)

Summarizes findings from the National Study of Student Learning of outcomes among first-year students at 18 4-year and 5 2-year colleges. Focuses on findings related to the relative cognitive effects of two- and four-year colleges on end-of-second-year writing skills and scientific reasoning, indicating that there was a virtual parity of impact.…

Discusses how research has shown that as little as 20 minutes of reading a day can dramatically improve children's reading skills. Urges teachers and others to participate in the READ*WRITE*NOW! initiative in which learning partners meet with children and youth once or twice a week to help students improve their reading and writing skills. (TJQ)

Presents examples of the use of technology to motivate, teach, and empower children with physical and cognitive disabilities. Specific applications include the use of computers for antivictimization training, writing, self-expression, and improving communication skills. The work of the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies (North Carolina) is…

This paper reports on a small-scale study of the outcomes generated by 15 underachieving English-as-a-Foreign-Language university writers copying text displayed on a computer monitor under pressure of time. Analysis of student's copied texts showed that various inaccuracies that were not in the original had passed into the copied version,…

This article describes the experience of grade one through two students with language disorders as they put together the parts of literacy knowledge necessary for each to discover a writing process that produced readable work. Included are perspectives of how to help students make sense of the literacy code. (Author/SW)

The information gained from analysis of bilingual students' writing can be used to inform instruction that helps students improve their writing in Spanish and English. The writing of one native Spanish-speaking third grader is analyzed, and instructional strategies are given for helping the writer improve content and mechanics. (Author/TD)

Describes the use of the writing-across-the-curriculum approach in a college psychology course. Reports on a study of the effect of summary writing exercises on 16 students. Finds that participating student scores on the final examination were eight percent higher than nonparticipating students. (CFR)

This study investigated the effects of teachers' psychological presence on writing task engagement in students reporting low and high levels of linguistic self-efficacy. Results found that teachers play important roles in shaping students' task-related engagement, with a complex relationship between teachers' pedagogical beliefs and practices and…

Calls for a reassessment of the theory and practice of WAC programs in light of community college literacy problems. Compares the views of writing as a generic skill and a learning tool. Describes the Community College of Philadelphia's Writing within the Curriculum approach, which relies on writing groups. (DMM)