This volume provides a broad introduction to the roles of the four principal media of mass communications--the newspaper, the magazine, radio, and television--and presents the fundamentals of writing for each of these media. Each medium is examined with respect to its unique position and influence in American society and is compared, for editorial…

A review of current theory and research related to writing ability leads to the conclusion that there is no existing test, instrument, or set of procedures which will provide valid data regarding the writing abilities of individuals. As an alternative approach, a textual cognition model of written communicative competence is proposed and…

Sixty students in four sections of freshman composition participated in a study comparing written corrections of student themes with oral, individualized evaluations in which the instructor explained problems and weaknesses in each theme and helped the student improve the writing. There were no other differences in the activities of the control…

Argues that the most important factor in the success of any teaching method is the teacher's ability to reward children for correct behavior rather than punish them for incorrect behavior. The application of behavior modification principles to language arts instruction and discovery learning is discussed. (CW)

The evidence for the efficacy of sentence-combining exercises is not as persuasive as it has been represented. (JH)

An experience approach to composition for intermediate or better students is detailed. It utilizes students' own interests and knowledge, prepares them for writing, makes transitions from oral to written English and encourages individual purposes in writing. Weaknesses of controlled composition are mentioned. (SCC)

One can learn a great deal about teaching composition by writing the essays he assigns to students to write. (JH)

When we communicate we are participating in a relationship with another person we value. (JH)

Describes pre-and post-writing activities designed to aid students in submitting a polished social studies paper rather than merely a first draft. Data analysis, questioning strategies, games, simulations, and values education strategies provide sources for focusing on the topic. Rewriting involves evaluation, revision, and editing.

"Scratch,""Scribe," and "Scribble" are three strategies for teaching writing at any grade level. They are short, ongoing activities that do not require grading. "Scratch" concerns spelling, "Scribe" dictation, and "Scribble" the writing process. (SJL)

Describes a classroom activity that emphasizes syntactic fluency and the richness of linguistic resources available in written language, while downplaying the "dos and don'ts" of traditional punctuation instruction. (RL)

Points out that writing errors of journalism students can result from faulty thought patterns involving thinking in sentence fragments, personifying objects, using bureaucratic abstractions, and condensing complex ideas; examines ways of dealing with sentence fragments and personification. (First of a two-part article.) (GT)

An elementary school teacher demonstrates that one method for helping his students learn is to ask them for suggestions on how "not" to learn. The process was used as a writing assignment, to teach basketball, to make a film, and to motivate teachers. (RK)