The idea that little attention has been paid to the creativity of the craftsmanship which produces a piece of scientific writing is discussed. Examples are used to support the proposition that this craftsmanship is worth studying in biological sciences as well as the humanities. (KR)

Discusses Flannery O'Conner's notion that "stupidity" is a necessary quality for the writer of fiction to possess. Examines the difference between ignorance and stupidity and vicious and virtuous stupidity. Presents pedagogical implications for the teaching of writing. (NH)

Discusses several techniques used in the popular press which may be used in technical manuals to communicate more efficiently and, sometimes, to make the manuals fun to read. (SR)

Discusses how writer Norma Fox Mazer has helped many readers make the leap between reality and imagination simply in the way she handles details in the lives of her characters. Explores the ideas of communicating with detail, experimenting with structure, and playing with time in crucial scenes. (SG)

An English writing teacher has helped students acquire control over their writing in varying contexts by focusing on specific strategies that they could apply to different strategies of the writing process. Strategies for inquiry, for drafting and for products can be used with any of the students' writing tasks, which helps them become strategic…

This essay frames the connections between punk principles and writing theory in order to re-form what the author emphasizes in his own composition classroom, in particular the do-it-yourself ethic, a sense of passion and fearlessness, the agency to attack institutions, and the seeking of pleasure. (Contains 1 note.)

Teachers of writing know that published writers write sentence fragments, use passive voice, begin sentences with "and" and end them with prepositions, use the first-person pronoun "I," contract their words, and splice their sentences with commas. Even so, most instructors advise students against these elements of style. As a result, school…

Ethical guidelines of the 4 major professional associations representing counselors and psychotherapists are reviewed. To help clarify thinking about writing up clinical cases, 3 kinds of cases are described. The author concludes that the current guidelines for clinician authors in writing about clients for publication or presentation are…

The academic silos that house mathematics, science, and language skills must be broken down to better replicate how those disciplines mix in the real world. This article discusses the benefits of linking writing with mathematics, the challenges of integrating mathematics and writing, and the strategies for mathematics writing. Combining…

Although interest plays a large role in motivation and confidence, we need a clearer understanding of how teachers and classroom practices can influence students' interest for the act of writing. Rebecca L. Lipstein and K. Ann Renninger studied the perceptions of 178 students in grades 7, 8, and 9 to develop this understanding. They offer…

The author writes that his experience in teaching has taught him that the perfect text simply does not exist, however the closest approximation to perfection lies in the direction of the classical world. Hal McDonald says that he cannot see how one can teach rhetoric without passing through pedagogical territory first cleared by Aristotle,…

The writing teacher's foremost job is leading students to see the valuable ideas they have to express. Writing is a way to share those ideas with the world rather than a way to be wrong, Anderson asserts. Teachers and parents too often focus on errors in student writing. This focus gives students the impression that writing well is about avoiding…

Contends that a well-prepared "capture plan" can mean the difference between winning or losing a procurement opportunity. States that the plan can become a tool for use while assembling a proposal team. Provides information regarding the content of a typical plan--from details needed for a basic program summary to steps required to conduct…

Summarizes cognitive mentoring and uses it to analyze positive self-talk using the "thinking mirror" (an ordinary mirror in the classroom used to initiate reflective moments for children) as a classroom strategy. Shares guidelines for implementing positive self-talk during written communication endeavors using the thinking mirror. (RS)

Notes that most studies of teacher-student interactive writing have examined only what the students do, ignoring issues of power, status, and experience in such situations. Examines one teacher-student exchange of messages, focusing on what strategies made the adult writer effective. Argues that the teacher used his experience but not his power.…