Examines how instructors may motivate students to improve their writing skills. Compares goal- and punishment-based grading systems for students. Tests two exemplary systems to determine their effect on students' performance and perception. Finds that, although both systems improved students' writing, they were perceived differently and the…

Lexical, syntactic, structural, and semantic analyses were performed on essays written by 100 younger and 100 older adults. Few lexical or syntactic differences appeared. Older adults were less able to use more complex structure and semantics. Educational level and working memory were probably responsible for the differences. (SK)

Describes a class activity in which children write "news stories" concerning what happened to them over the weekend. Notes that the activity is enjoyable and effective in facilitating literacy. (RS)

Shows how writing instructors can enhance the peer editing skills of their students and thereby improve the students' own writing and self-editing skills. Outlines a collaborative project used in a ninth-grade writing class that fostered the editing skills of students. (HB)

Describes a special on-site writing course for advanced learners of English working in a research and development division that addresses students' needs (acculturation and lessening of writing anxiety) through in-class contrastive analysis of semitechnical documents produced by novice nonnative speaker writers and by experienced native and…

Discusses a study of writing revision in which all the writing done in two sections of a writing course was collected and draft-to-draft revisions were studied. Suggests that revision depends as much on acquisition of topical knowledge as on level of cognitive development. (SR)

Describes a writing assignment that places emphasis on objective writing, including a special focus on transitions as a way of encouraging students to give greater attention to specific details. Emphasizes the need to be objective and factual and the need for precision and accuracy. (MG)

Identifies three types of writer's block. Suggests a model using peer tutors to help blocked students overcome the problem. Discusses diagnostic considerations, tutor qualifications, and the importance of clear communication among the student, teacher, and tutor. Emphasizes the importance of relaxed relations between student and tutor. (PAA)

Fifteen nursing students participated in Integrated Skills Reinforcement, an approach that reinforces writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills while students learn course content. Pre-/postassessment of writing showed that 93% achieved writing improvement. All students agreed that the approach improved understanding of course content, a…

Examines the growing influence of Mikhail Bakhtin in a variety of fields. Describes two dominant strains that permeate Bakhtin's philosophical project: phenomenology and Marxism. Argues that the ambivalence displayed between these two poles in Bakhtin's work suggests an ambivalence in the larger arena of literary studies. (HB)

Discusses the prevalent trend in American English to verbify, that is to convert nonverbs into verbs. Offers criteria to help decide when to use verbified words. (SR)

Reports on "Runaway with Words," a poetry workshop for at-risk teens in Florida's runaway shelters. Describes how, through various exercises, oral recitations, and conversations, troubled teens learn basic writing skills that help them gain control over their emotions. (SR)

Provides responses by various scholars to two articles on teaching conflict and struggle and its relevance to the field of basic writing published in the December 1992 issue of "College English." (HB)

Separate columns in this newsletter issue emphasize (1) the need for parents and teachers to encourage children to write notes to one another to improve their literacy; (2) the use of mathematics in an integrated curriculum; and (3) the importance of reading to children. (MDM)

Discusses teaching grammar to high school journalistic writing or sophomore honors English students. Discusses grammar testing and the need some colleges feel for required language courses. Presents four teaching ideas for high school teachers to help their students achieve in writing. (RS)