The product of a comprehensive project aimed at identifying reading, writing, and communication courseware needs, this report first discusses the benefits of computer assisted instruction and obstacles to its implementation in the communications area. It then describes procedures used to gather information and presents a detailed review of the…

The product of a study documenting the classroom writing behavior of three kindergarten and three second grade students, this research report focuses on the kindergarten data. Following an introductory chapter describing the theoretical assumptions underlying the project, the research questions posed, and the provisions made to insure reliable and…

The monograph presents the writing of suitable "follow-up" books for new adult readers in developing countries in the dual context of lifelong learning and of support for development by communication. It presents writing for new readers from the perspectives of high level policy makers, reading materials specialists in ministries and…

Information on the Ontario Test of English Achievement is presented. Attention is directed to the background and objectives of the test, test development, subtest characteristics and properties, validity, and recommendations concerning test use. The objective of the test was to determine the language competence of incoming students to assist…

In this author's research, the question of whether it makes sense to think of writing primarily as a generic skill acquired increasing urgency as she gathered qualitative data for a study of the relationship between instructors' expectations in the design of writing assignments and the students' thinking as evidenced both in their essay responses…

Designed primarily for English faculty at community colleges in California, "Inside English" includes articles on instructional innovations in teaching remedial writing, literature courses, and freshman composition, and on major curricular, administrative, and employment issues in the field. The first issue of volume 15 focuses primarily on…

The results of an interim evaluation of the Prefreshman Summer Basic Skills Program at the City University of New York are presented. The program provided instruction to prefreshmen needing remediation in one or more of the basic skills of reading, writing, and mathematics. In an effort the provide effective remedial instruction and to facilitate…

A report of the results of the City University of New York's 1987 Prefreshman Summer Program is presented. The 6-week summer program offers instruction to prefreshmen in one or more of the basic skills of reading, writing, and mathematics. Small-group instruction, peer tutoring, and counseling are available. Statistics indicate the following: for…

These instructional materials are companions to the British Broadcasting Company's television series called "Stepping Up" and "Step Up to Wordpower," first broadcast in October and November 1989, respectively. They are intended to help adults prepare for the British certificate of qualification in communication skills. An…

A study examined and compared writing with and without microcomputers in the elementary schools. Specifically, the study examined (1) how the products of writing instruction with a computer differ from the products of traditionally taught writing, (2) the process of teaching writing, (3) teacher-pupil roles when pupils are writing, (4) teacher…

A study examined and compared writing with and without microcomputers in elementary schools. Specifically, the study examined (1) how the products of writing instruction with a computer differ from the products of traditionally taught writing, (2) the process of teaching writing, (3) teacher-pupil roles when pupils are writing, (4) teacher…

A study examined the effects of a "pen pal" letter writing exchange on undergraduate college students and second grade children. Subjects, 23 second graders, completed a letter writing attitude survey, and then (after receiving an explanation of what a pen pal is) exchanged letters with the undergraduates over a l5-week period. Results…

Focusing on the effects of three interventions on students' reading and writing of persuasive discourse, a study investigated (1) whether the writing of persuasive discourse can be improved by instruction, and (2) the effect of reading on writing and of writing on reading within the persuasive mode. Subjects, 100 Canadian sixth graders stratified…

Intended to complement two other summaries about writing across the curriculum at Gallaudet College for deaf students, this report describes the first academic year of the college's writing across the curriculum program (WAC), detailing various instructors' projects and their personal opinions about the program, as well as how the students felt…

Noting that teachers sometimes fail to draw on students' prior knowledge, this guide focuses on helping teachers both to think about the cognitive processes involved in learning and to design activities that provide students with a solid introduction to various learning tasks. The first section briefly discusses current theory and research in…