Explores academic writing from the students' side of the desk, examining how different tasks and writing situations influence students' approaches. Finds that responses to assignments depend upon what the students were actually rewarded for producing. (MG)

Asserts that reading and writing are governed by the same logic that dominates social relations. Suggests that, because women suffer disproportionately from the effects of male-dominated culture, they may also suffer disproportionately when participating in play or when being tested on literacy skills. Questions the view that play is…

Argues that freshman composition courses should teach students to use writing to develop an awareness and trust in their own thinking processes. Cautions that students who get nothing but directive instruction will be handicapped in learning to think for themselves. (RS)

Considers Richard Ohmann's argument that composition texts which instruct students to emphasize concrete details over abstract concepts encourage conformity with the dominant order. Suggests that Ohmann failed to consider the effects of teachers' and students' viewpoints. Cites methods that encourage students to use detail as a device of broader…

Argues that teaching writing conventions in a basic writing class is not a sufficient preparation either for the traditional freshman writing course or for the courses in the students' majors that will follow. Argues that students should be provided with appropriate reading and writing activities of real complexity at every level. (RS)

Argues that little is known about the teaching of writing beyond what good teachers have always known: that some students learn without teachers; that some students learn if they are given simple assignments, have their papers read with respect, and are taught the few simple things that can be demonstrated simply. (RS)

Classifies three domains of register: "field" (context); "mode" (function); and "tenor" (role interaction). Examines examples of student writing for evidence of register. Asserts that an identification of registers permits teachers and researchers to understand features of text coherence. Suggests implications for…

Describes a research paper assignment in which students choose a controversial news event reported by six to eight newspapers and arrive at a thesis by comparing the accounts. Notes that students become truly engaged with the assignment and that engagement shows itself strongly in the intelligence and life of the papers. (RS)

Outlines a team-grading program for freshman composition in which instructors collaborate to evaluate student writing holistically. Argues that while students may be the major beneficiaries of team grading, the writing program benefits by addressing problems of grade inflation and grade inconsistency, building departmental morale, and contributing…

Describes how a two-semester sequence of college freshman composition can be built around material relevant to hearing-impaired students, using group-directed assignments and strengthening students' motivation as readers and writers. (MM)

Describes the work of Barrett Wendell, a composition teacher at Harvard in the late 19th century, giving particular attention to his idea of writing themes--short writing assignments on topics students choose themselves. Reviews one particular student's struggle with Wendell's writing themes. Examines Wendell's political challenges at Harvard as a…

Describes the use of an electronic bulletin board in a first-year composition class. Explores power relationships and issues of gender, conflict, and authority while focusing on one young man's role on the bulletin board. (SR)

Explores ways in which students read, think, and write about divergent points of view by analyzing transcripts of interviews with students. Finds three broad categories: "dogmatic,""noncommittal," and "analytical" approaches. Discusses pedagogical implications. (SR)

Analysis of essays by first-year college students on humanities and social science subjects suggests that problems in style and structure stem from student misunderstandings of discipline-specific assumptions and conventions concerning critical analysis and "argument." Discussions and models can help students create new, academically…

Asserts that responses to students' work ought to be recorded on the same sheets of paper where the students respond to the efforts of the teacher and other students. Argues that these sheets should be part of the mutual teaching process, and discusses how to create them. Relays evaluations of a first-year writing course. (PRA)