Here are some ways in which schools might make a concerted effort to create an effective reading culture. Used in combination they can help to immerse children in the thriving climate of literacy that leads to reading. (Author/RK)

Provides a rationale for the use of writing as a learning vehicle in the teaching of history. Also provides some practical guidelines illustrating how such a writing/history model might be developed. (Author/JK)

An experimental condition consisting of explicit timing of the students' five-minute composition period, self-scoring, and public posting of highest scores was introduced, removed, and reintroduced. The introduction of the experimental condition led to marked increase in the number of words written by all students. (Author)

The use of the interview is described as a technique to integrate skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking for students of English as a second language. Coordinated use of these skills is important for natural conversation and language fluency. (CHK)

Use of texts to improve language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing at the intermediate level is discussed. Text selection is explained, and the use of several reading and writing exercises outlined. (CHK)

MARC (Methodical Assessment of Reports by Computer) is a report-marking program which enables teachers to provide individualized feedback on reports written by engineering students. The MARC system is objective in its consistent application of the same programed criteria, but also allows individual markers to supply their own comments as required.…

Examines the historical origins and current consequences of the development of literacy instruction technology. Argues that reliance on technocratic skills-based approaches has resulted in a gradual deskilling of teachers and students with a literal, uncritical, and mechanical relation to reading, writing, and text interpretation. Asserts that…

Presents results of a study on the effects of topic selection on holistic scoring, which supported the idea that topic effects are reflected in student writing and influence student scores. (JC)

Presents results of a survey that suggests that high school journalism courses help students gain language arts skills better than required or elective English courses. (JC)

Discusses the importance of writing instruction in the public schools and the role administrators can take to promote effective writing instruction. (JC)

Two experiments examined the role that college students' verbal aptitude and evaluation anxiety play in the production of persuasive letters. Results showed that verbal aptitude should be considered when predicting the quality of students writing. Taking writing anxiety into account did not increase the predictive power of verbal aptitude scores.…

Presents several suggestions designed to assist teachers and students in the development of essay test-taking skills. Examines organizing the essay; brainstorming for ideas; composing the introductions and theses; establishing the historical setting; and writing the body and conclusion. Advocates proofreading, in-class practice, and allowing…

Discusses the problems of deciding whether to use, not use, or revise noun compounds. Presents guidelines that ask writers to weigh the familiarity, efficiency, and stylistic efficacy of the compound against alternatives for particular audiences. (MS)

Many children with learning handicaps have difficulty learning to write numerals. The source of numeral-writing difficulties and some things which can be done to teach or remedy this skill are presented. (MNS)

Asserts that students who are aware of the generic background in their own writing will more easily develop a sense of genre when studying texts written by others. Presents three rhetorical goals--writing to instruct, writing to delight, and writing to motivate--and discusses how an awareness of these goals influences reading and writing. (MM)