Discusses a research project aimed at designing a computer-based system to help students learn to summarize French texts by using a method called Case-Based Reasoning (CBR). Such a system uses previous, similar situations to make a new summary by reusing and adapting the same summarization rules. The rationale underlying the learning of text…

Notes that innovations in technology have greatly enhanced educators' abilities to incorporate instruction in written and oral communication skills in the accounting curriculum. Finds that practitioners agree with the new writing requirements of the CPA (Certified Public Account) exam, and endorse the use of information technology in preparing…

Examines two myths about writing: good writing cannot be taught, and writing develops naturally. For each myth, alternative ways to achieve goals with students who find writing difficult are explored. Proposed instructional procedures focus on development of knowledge, skill, will, and self-regulation in writing. (Author/JDM)

Defines the term "model" and reviews what the literature says about the use of models in the teaching of writing. Provides justification for the use of models in the teaching of English for science and technology and gives a practical demonstration. (Author/VWL)

Describes the process and discourse stances of a team of teachers involved in deriving a rating scale for writing ability. Focuses on instances during the process where actions of the participants or their use of the data sample could be shown to influence the criteria potential for variation within the two test method characteristics of "scale…

Examined preschool children's self-management as they engaged in a literacy task of constructing an "autonomous" text for others to read. Analyzed texts for their holistic quality, and identified metacognitive utterances surrounding the texts, which showed the development of metacognition and its indications for preschoolers. (JPB)

Presents a classroom activity that will provide students practice in developing the essential skills of developing a profile of the primary audience. Suggests that students should also explore differences in word usage. Concludes that students will better appreciate the significant function of audience in determining the content, tone, and method…

Describes how the author uses the poems of Edgar Lee Masters'"Spoon River Anthology" in her developmental writing classes to foster literary discussion, build vocabulary, and teach a broad range of essay writing skills. (SR)

Finds the presentation assignment to be an effective method of providing students with the opportunity to apply the literacy skills they are learning in ways that are personally meaningful. Describes the presentation assignment framework and provides an example of an assignment that required students to analyze and interpret works of literature…

Studies problems students face when visualizing a hypertext audience. Traces students' problems with audience analysis to three independent issues: (1) letting operational and functional levels of construction take precedence over figurative meaning; (2) confusing demands of print and oral audience expectations; and (3) conceiving of hypertext as…

Four child-crafted book projects help promote students' holiday spirit. The projects, all based on a simple accordion fold, resemble cards but open to reveal more than just a greeting, allowing students to think and write about what the holiday means to them. Projects include a poetry book, a rhyming book, and a memory book. (SM)

Presents four informal assessments that elementary teachers can use to compare students' spelling progress to typical midyear benchmarks. The assessments, which target K-6 students, emphasize alphabet recognition, phonemic awareness, attitude and consciousness about spelling, and spelling growth through writing samples. The paper includes a…

Case studies of six adult literacy students revealed that overt literacy action--conscious effort to use new skills in authentic situations--was a key element in learner success. Most of the overt actions took the form of writing rather than reading. (SK)

Teachers and students can use color to identify different types of writing. This article describes using color to highlight annotations, identity, topic sentences, thoughts and emotions, logical arguments, advertising and selling, showing and telling, and looking and seeing. Includes sample assignments for identifying emotional content, topic…

Discusses how textbooks have shaped students' views toward the geology profession and how these traditionally organized books can be supplemented with John McPhee's writings for the nonscientist. These writings can make students more aware of geology in cultural contexts and of how science is actually practiced. (SAH)