Suggests that the key to making research writing something students are eager to learn is the instructor's enthusiasm and skill in gathering irresistible ideas and prompts to pique students' curiosity. Presents seven steps to help students write research papers. (RS)

Reviews two reports by National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP): (1) Listening to Children Read Aloud: Data from NAEP's Integrated Reading Performance Record (IRPR) at Grade 4 (oral reading and factors associated with reading fluency); and (2) Windows into the Classroom: NAEP's 1992 Writing Portfolio Study (types of writing and quality…

Describes ERIC as an up-to-date database that has relatively few items that center on conventions and mechanics, and yet there are hundreds of citations including ERIC descriptors such as spelling, grammar, and syntax. Presents a seven-item annotated bibliography of journal articles and books (published in ERIC between 1991 and 1993). (PA)

Offers an analysis of written and oral texts and a questionnaire on the contemporary use of future and conditional modals in French, and reviews the treatment of these verb forms by grammarians and language learning authors. Findings suggest that grammar books and manuals offer guidance on the written use of the modals, rather than the oral usage.…

Discusses the challenges of research writing and presents techniques for writers to follow that will aid in making their research writing readable and understandable for the intended audience. Suggestions include questions to address, and tips, hints, and reminders to improve writing skills. (JMV)

Aims to teach students how to merge the realms of creativity and analysis by using metaphors. Presents various activities to develop metaphorical thinking and writing skills. (PA)

Describes three writing assignments (on a scientist, a topic in science, and a topic in technical communication) that help technical writing students develop their technical backgrounds, familiarity with reference materials, peer editing skills, and writing skills. (RS)

This paper examines the importance of handwriting instruction, through discussion of four issues: (1) whether handwriting should be taught directly outside other writing contexts; (2) slanted versus traditional manuscript alphabets; (3) use of a beginner's pencil and wide lined paper; and (4) the use of self-regulation procedures within the…

The Electronic Networks for Interaction (ENFI) Project, begun at Gallaudet University in 1985, is described. It uses a local area computer network within a classroom for real-time written communication. The impact of ENFI on hearing-impaired students' writing is discussed. (12 references) (LB)

Bilingual students who choose to study their native language in school have unique needs. Once they have been identified and placed in a special class for native speakers, these children must learn to match their familiar verbal language with the less familiar written language. By becoming translators and interpreters for the school, writing for…

Argues that teaching reading and writing is not a matter of correcting errors or teaching the five-paragraph essay. Claims that it is instead a process of interdependence between the public and private, the individual and the group. Calls for a recognition of the role of interpretation in all meaning-making. (HB)

Describes methods for teaching student writers basic principles of organization. Argues that teachers should help their students learn the process of discovering organizations appropriate for their material instead of merely teaching traditional forms of written organization. (HB)

Discusses ways an editor can cut out words to help the reader understand quickly. Discusses dead wood, redundancy, redundancy in thought, smothered verbs, false precision, editing and academia, and making copy smoother. (SR)

Looks at the importance of valuing children's play for its contributions to writing skills. Shares the insights a teacher derives from observing children in situations where they seem to be "only playing." Reminds readers of the crucial connection between assessment and teaching that should be maintained. (MG)

Discusses the importance of reading and writing a variety of materials to become a quality writer. (MG)