The functions of oral language in university English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) composition classes are explored using a case study of instructional discourse in five ESL writing classes. Findings indicate relatively little classroom talk developed to topic invention/development or to oral rehearsal of potential written text. Techniques for…

Quantitative data based on an analysis of an in-depth survey of 247 basic second-language (English-as-a-Second-Language and foreign language) writers' responses to feedback conventions used by their composition instructors are presented. The findings provide insight into teacher behaviors that function positively and negatively as apprentice…

Explores the research regarding the profile and perspectives of part-time two-year college faculty in English. Considers weekly time management, research and professional activities, and views regarding the profession of teaching. Argues that all faculty should increase their activism in support of part-time faculty and their needs. (HB)

Presents an overview of third-grade bilingual students and their literacy curriculum. Discusses a series of instructional lessons ("strategy wall charts") developed to provide the students with various tools to work their way through literacy blocks as they read and wrote in English. Looks at patterns of internalization that occurred when the…

Describes current literacy practices in Australia and the history of influential approaches to literacy instruction. Discusses the unique contexts of professional development and practice that may make Australian approaches to literacy different from whole-language movements in American schools. (SR)

Suggests a method for extending feminist critiques of technology to technical communications issues, especially the balancing of gender biases. Provides possibilities for the application of feminist theory to technical communications. (HB)

Describes the design and implementation of a major collaborative assignment in which students investigate and produce written and oral solutions to a problem with a national perspective experienced by a community corporation, business, governmental, or not-for-profit organization. (KEH)

Shares the experiences of one teacher as she implements process writing in her classroom. (MG)

Discusses the part reading and writing play in the whole language approach. Offers 11 recommendations to help teachers provide a functional approach to language development. (MG)

A process approach to writing instruction for students with learning disabilities is presented. The approach involves students sharing their work with each other, receiving frequent response to their writing, using word processing to support fluent text production and ease revision, conferencing with teachers to develop writing strategies, and…

This article provides specific recommendations for teaching students with learning disabilities how to use a story grammar cueing system for improving writing. The article emphasizes the importance of individualizing instruction and teaching for generalization, and discusses the purpose of the system and methods of assessment. (JDD)

Studies in 1974 and 1984 of errors in the writing of Australian university freshmen in a history course found no significant differences between the two groups. The most salient elements in the error-prone writing were less related to writing mechanics than to constitution of meaning, suggesting that grammar instruction is inadequate to improve…

Discusses writing projects, studies of implementation and teacher change, and mirrors of change which point to the state of the art in language arts. (RS)

Describes the project "Expanding Literacy for All" which was designed to promote the literacy skills of 13 adults and 36 third graders in Texas. Finds that, when third grade students and illiterate adults become pen pals, both groups learn more about what it means to enter the community of readers and writers. (PRA)

This article about the poor writing of many students with learning disabilities suggests that a major cause is inadequate instruction and presents three principles of writing instruction: (1) frequent and meaningful writing; (2) developing, embellishing, and refining; and (3) a warm and supportive environment. (DB)