A study examined the developmental epistemologies of first-year university students at a comprehensive university, based on the idea that students often come to the university in intellectual transition which may affect their epistemological stances toward writing. The students' comments as reported from a survey fall into seven categories: topic,…

The most interesting and challenging aspect of studying Chinese is writing Chinese characters. Unfortunately, the learning of Chinese characters receives only marginal attention in a typical classroom. Given that vocabularies in textbooks are based on spoken language rather than the principles of character formation, and also given the pressures…

This paper suggests that the idea of "taking stock" of the current program--reflecting on what educators believe to be best practice--and then "charting a course" of action to better align practice with vision is a deliberate way for teachers to build capacity to enact reform. It begins by providing a brief overview of the changing direction of…

Aiming to bring a new sense of adventure to teaching and learning by focusing on the lives of historical figures, artists, and scientists, this book is a "how-to" for teaching the most important lesson of all: becoming human. Each chapter includes several "Actions" designed to bring the human aspect of various disciplines center stage while…

Written by teachers for teachers, this book offers the first-hand perspectives of 7 teachers who used the writing workshop approach. It offers teachers in grades 1-8 a wealth of practical advice, based on the personal struggles, accomplishments, and classroom-proven solutions of the authors. Equally valuable to teachers already using writing…

A study investigated whether formal instruction in logic and syllogism construction helps English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL)/English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) students in crafting argumentative essays. Subjects were 24 ESL students of varied linguistic backgrounds at the Mercer University (Georgia) English Language Institute. Half were given…

The paper examines an assessment method for measuring students' writing performance. Does Primary Trait Scoring reliably and validly accomplish the administrative, instructional, and evaluative purposes of the writing assessment? The Primary Trait Scoring guide has a few underlying principles: identification of qualities of effective writing;…

Describes a language program for first-grade students incorporating the following strands: writing, poetry, reading, group cloze activities, the Scott Foresman Reading Scheme, recreational reading, handwriting, phonics, and language games. (MM)

Argues that writing in the content areas should be used as a discovery tool, stimulating students' conceptual involvement and prompting them to further investigations. (MM)

Describes a program that gives psychology students practice in written and oral communication. It involves students in writing an abstract of a journal article and in making an oral presentation. Writing and speaking skills, along with methodology, may be the most enduring legacy of introductory psychology courses. (CS)

This paper reviews research about how speaking a dialect can influence students' writing and how writing should be taught to students who speak a dialect of English. Literature on the writing errors commonly made by speakers of Black English and other American dialects is summarized. (PP)

Describes computer programs designed to assist in teaching composition. These include an elementary school writing program, poetry writing programs, and four writing/editing programs (dealing with text already written and needing revision or for helping students develop a higher level of sophistication with specific skills already demonstrated in…

Using data and analyses gathered from multiple sources, this article discusses how students learn in reading, writing, and mathematics. A section on reading concentrates on methods and materials that motivate, a writing section concentrates on content, and a mathematics section discusses procedures for problem solving. A bibliography is included.…

Argues that the specialized knowledge that writing demands can only be acquired through a particular kind of reading. Illustrates how this kind of reading occurs and considers ways teachers can facilitate such learning. (JL)

Describes Pikeville College's Read Writer course for high-risk, low-entry students, which combines reading and writing instruction in larger-than-average classes. Delineates the rationale for the program's development; program procedures, which include the Macrorie approach to teaching; participant responses; and program outcomes in terms of pre-…