Explores the assumption that writing is a way to learn by examining the influence of task interpretation on writing and studying as learning aids. Finds that task interpretation and the nature of the material to be learned are important mediating variables in the relationship between writing and learning. (PRA)

Finds that papers written by eighth graders on computer were rated significantly higher on all four dimensions of a holistic/analytic writing assessment scale. Notes that students made more microstructural than macrostructural changes and continuously revised at all stages of their writing. Considers student experience with computers and the…

Explores fifth graders' audience awareness when they compose and revise an original text for two audiences (a good third grade reader and an experienced adult reader) in a realistic transactional writing task. Finds that they successfully revised texts to address expectations of both audiences but were more successful for the third grade readers.…

Discusses some aspects and strategies of persuasion that might underlie any written persuasive business message. Focuses more on "Think about It" rather than "How-to." (KEH)

Describes a course in which students learn to write rich, accurate, precise, objective description, develop a sensitivity to honest, uninflated language, and demonstrate these skills by producing an action proposal. Describes the three sections of the course: objective description, lessons in language, and grand proposals. (PRA)

An instructional method called Transformation-Based Writing is presented that encourages second graders to engage in writing strategies that are typically more advanced. The method begins with writers establishing goals centering on content and genre and achieving the goals through iterative application of problem-solving operations. (Author/JDD)

It is argued that college students can learn to improve their writing by being taught a number of basic strategies. A distinction is made between weak and strong strategies, and a number of each are identified and discussed. Classroom instructional procedures supporting improvement of skills are outlined. (Author/MSE)

Describes how learning of important strategies in reading and writing is fostered by organizing instruction so that students benefit from both teacher-led and student-led instruction. Discusses text choices, integrating reading and writing with strategy instruction, the teacher-led shared-text pattern, and the student-selected singular text…

Reports results of a research study of how student groups organize a collaborative writing task. Finds that students use two patterns like those of the workplace (dividing and allocating the tasks or drafting together), produce better documents using a variety of organizing patterns, and do not perceive equal performance on the basis of…

Describes the Thesis Analysis and Synthesis Key (TASK), a strategy which helps high school and college students to think through the elements of an argumentative essay, and to write more convincing arguments themselves. (SR)

Twenty-one suggestions are offered for successful writing for psychology journals. Suggestions include tell readers why they should be interested, consider alternative interpretations of the data, give concrete examples, write for a somewhat broader and technically less skilled audience than you expect to read the article, and don't take…

Describes an experimental computer program called the "Writing Environment" designed to help writers create well-structured texts on-screen. Outlines a study done in which writers were asked to use the program so that their writing strategies could then be analyzed. Provides data and conclusions of the study. (HB)

Offers six prompts to use in teaching creative writing at the high school level. Explains how the prompts are used in the classroom. (MG)

Describes the self-monitoring technique, where English-as-a-Second-Language students annotate their writing drafts with comments on their specific writing problems, allowing teachers to provide direct and appropriate feedback. This feedback facilitates teachers' understanding of writers' problems and intentions and allows writers more control over…

Offers arguments for and against making the essay central to the English and writing curriculum. Argues for the inclusion of the essay and discusses personal experiences and feelings regarding essay writing. (PRA)