This guidebook was developed by a team of elementary and secondary school English teachers to help teachers of all subjects with the difficult tasks of evaluating students' expository writing and stimulating student growth in the art and craft of writing. The twelve parts of the guidebook deal with the following topics: guidelines for giving a…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the problem of designing instruction in the process of composing. The scope of the study is limited to one kind of writing (the short, autobiographical narrative) and to one kind of instruction (a self-instructional program, developed by means of discrimination programing). Subjects for the study were…

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relation among reading readiness achievement, three instructional programs in personal writing, and achievement in personal writing of first-grade children. The 140 white, middle class first graders participating in the study were taught in one of three programs: (1) the Initial Alphabet…

This self-instruction manual contains nine lessons on news writing. They are: (1) what is news?; (2) how do you report news?; (3) polish your style; (4) write a better sentence; (5) getting the facts; (6) you're on your own--writing a news story from a collection of facts; (7) practice makes perfect--more news writing from a collection of facts;…

Sixty students in four sections of freshman composition participated in a study comparing written corrections of student themes with oral, individualized evaluations in which the instructor explained problems and weaknesses in each theme and helped the student improve the writing. There were no other differences in the activities of the control…

Overviews attempts to integrate language arts and social studies and reviews research on language processes. Discusses types of writing designed to produce active and responsible learners. Describes writing exercises designed to enable students to inventory knowledge; to initiate, consolidate, and personalize learning; and to clarify thinking. (RH)

Reports analysis of 1,892 essays written by 11 graders in a district-wide writing assessment. Scored for ability to (1) use conventions of standard written English and (2) support an argument, the papers show that 17-year-olds have trouble supporting an argument despite proficiency in mechanics. Argues against teaching superficial correctness. (JG)

Outlines ways to encourage students to think of writing as an act as simple as talking and gives practical suggestions for encouraging writing in the classroom. (SRT)

Points out that traditional teaching methods, which have been replaced by more effective methods for the majority of students, are still used for low-ability students. Argues that these students need the best materials available and teachers who are knowledgeable about current educational theories. (SRT)

Examines the practice of assigning writing topics to students versus allowing them to choose their own topic, and suggests a way to strike a balance. (JC)

Describes how "critical incidents" that occur in the classroom can help teachers address their preconceived notions about learning and teaching, about knowledge, and about what counts as legitimate reading and writing. (HTH)

Argues that parents can help their children take more pleasure in writing and thus build their confidence and competence in mastering composition skills. Describes the Parents-as-Tutors Program and some of its methods, which include teaching the student to edit message, punctuation, and spelling. (AEW)

Discusses style-developing assignments in which students simulate the characteristic features of a distinctive manner of speaking. Suggests using impersonation as an invention strategy (e.g., by adopting a controversial persona position), and to encourage stylistic fluency through parodies, dialogues, or polyphonic essays. Also suggests using…

Contends that a political science class is an excellent place to help students learn better writing skills. Argues that by doing so, students will develop better thinking skills for political science inquiry. Discusses obstacles to helping students improve writing skills and offers six guidelines to help students develop writing skills in a…

Reveals some sources for the problems entering college students have with college writing programs. Suggests parallels between the shortcomings of high school writing instruction and those of college programs, and that the central ideas of college writing programs are antagonistic to the view of writing students receive in secondary school. (SKC)