Proposes a different theoretical approach to the concept of implicitness and makes some practical suggestions for teaching implicitness to students. (MS)

Suggests that expressive writing is important in the freshman writing course because of the motivation the writer's feelings and memories can offer. Outlines a unit on journal writing, including a cohesive series of both private and shared journal writing activities. (ARH)

Offers brief descriptions of several current approaches to training teaching assistants, as represented in documents included in the ERIC system. (JD)

Describes in a tongue-in-cheek manner a new computer software program that offers encouragement to freshman composition students. (NKA)

Discusses how the development of critical thinking skills is inhibited in many students because they under-conceptualize the context in which controversy occurs. Suggests ways to raise students' awareness of being involved in a continuing debate, such as using written dialogue as a basis for extending a writing assignment that combines exposition,…

Argues that the notions of need, requirement, and service are not simply pre-disciplinary formations, externally imposed on the work of teaching writing. Examines the dynamics of university, college, and departmental committees and task forces at Temple University in reforming the structure of first year writing courses, their structure,…

Notes one of the most prominent debates in composition over the last 10 years concerns abolition of required first-year English. Elaborates three points as they contribute to the author's overall argument that the abolitionist debate is not one that needs to be resolved, but instead is an exchange of ideas from which others in the field can learn…

Examines graduate student teaching assistants' (TAs') adjustment to their first teaching experience in first-year composition (FYC) classrooms. Notes that the experience mirrors that of their FYC students. Considers how both new groups work within initially uncomfortable but ultimately developmentally positive levels of ambiguity, multiplicity,…

Prompted by a campus racial incident, University of Massachusetts-Amherst faculty decided that the predominantly White students must be educated about racism. The beginning writing course now requires reading and discussion of literature in which characters routinely experience discrimination. The more advanced course includes periodical and…

Investigates the effects of word processing on student's compositions to untangle the seemingly contradictory findings of earlier research. Finds that students are increasing their fluidity and fluency while simultaneously failing to organize and focus their increased verbiage. (RS)

Characterizes academic discourse. Argues for the need for some nonacademic writing in freshman writing courses. Discusses the different styles of academic discourse within the field of composition. Notes stylistic conventions of academic discourse. Discusses implications for the teaching of freshman writing. (RS)

Cites essays by Joan Didion, John Berryman, and Martin Luther King in arguing that the essay, no matter how serious, can be considered as a fiction and a playful, exploratory and deeply interesting rhetorical game. Describes how these works were used to teach students that the essay is a living document calling for interaction. (SG)

Compares writing errors made by college freshmen and professional writers. Explains that 20 student essays were compared to 20 essays from the students' textbook, "Short Takes: Model Essays for Composition." Notes that students and professionals were almost equally prone to commit errors. Offers suggestions for improving student writing.…

Describes how journals can be used to explore students' perceptions of self and society. Analyzes ("deconstructs") student journal entries to examine the language used to express experiences, and notes that encouraging students to examine their own entries helps them find language that more closely coincides with their realities. (MM)

Asserts that college composition courses should go beyond having students write about their own experiences and should encompass a study of texts that reveal conversations going on among educated people. Notes that successful programs have shown that such changes can be made. (SG)