Making their own dictionaries gives beginners confidence in their writing, reading, and spelling progress. (Editor)

Discusses the pros and cons of English proficiency testing in journalism education, noting that such equivalency tests do not always indicate journalism student writing potential. (RL)

Examines the meaning of the term "ethos" in a rhetorical context, proposing a way to differentiate among the different forms of ethos. Explores the implications of such an examination for composition teachers. (RL)

Contains examples of student work in dialog, either imitating literature or telling their own stories. Shows how to use this activity with other activities to develop and to integrate reading, writing, speaking, and listening. (RL)

When traditional methods of teaching composition--such as those based on great books or emulation of models--failed, the author found that television was useful for teaching necessary skills. His University of Michigan freshman composition course, based strictly on television programs, is discussed. (JMD)

Points out weaknesses in research studies purporting to show that there is no transfer value to the teaching of grammar; presents 21 pointers to aid in establishing a good grammar program. (DD)

Describes research that examines the social and the pedagogical factors responsible for differences in the writing skills of elementary grade students. (AM)

Describes the obstacles facing hearing-impaired people as they attempt to learn to write and suggests ways to implement a college program to bridge the gap between natural Sign Language and English. (DD)

A survey of both junior and four-year college composition instructors revealed definite similarities in their preferences in a composition handbook. (MKM)

Advocates emphasizing invention or substance of writing first, and suggests that peer evaluation will provide a necessary audience for student writers. (MKM)

Describes a geography project based on Ripley's "Believe It or Not" books. Students write their own booklets about different world cultures. Phase I involves three days of research and writing; phase II involves typing and assembling the booklet. Students examine cultural values in relation to the "unusual." (KC)

The use of a peer tutoring writing program to promote intellectual growth and critical judgment at Brooklyn College is described. The plan makes expository writing the focus of peer influence. Its satisfactory effect on both tutors and tutees and its method of operation are discussed. (LBH)

High school students can and should be proficient in using such basic skills as reading, writing, computational skills, thinking, and listening. Here are five guides for accomplishing this goal. (Author/RK)

Describes an activity-centered approach for an elementary language arts project with a careers theme. It begins with exercises in which students identify different kinds of jobs and discuss and practice techniques of interviewing and culminates in the study of a specific job area--advertising. All activities emphasize the importance of subject…

Urges college journalism instructors to contribute to the training of high school students by learning about the professional press, sharing their knowledge with high school teachers, and setting up one-day workshops for high school students. (GW)