Discusses the Reading Recovery, whole-language, and Montessori approaches to the teaching of reading, suggesting the use of the reading recovery approach for those children who experience difficulty reading and writing in a Montessori classroom. Notes that Reading Recovery emphasizes writing to generate meaning, focusing on children constructing…

Researchers gave low ratings to 73% of fourth-graders' informative writing samples on NAEP's 1992 Writing Portfolio Study. Teachers blame changing demographics, science and math emphases, the self-esteem movement, standardized tests, and fast-paced lifestyles. Administrators must encourage student writing, support teachers, schedule more language…

Four high school-aged deaf students in a college preparatory American history class at a state residential school were instructed regarding the use of syntactic cohesion (words such as "meanwhile") in their written assignments. Students' average percentage of correct use of the five taught terms increased 27%. Maintenance after six weeks and…

Describes an ongoing research study investigating the value of using the concept keyboard as a device to assist children in creating functional texts. Suggests that the use of the conceptual keyboard as an alternative input device for word processor use has the potential to help children better structure their writing. (AA)

Provides an overview of a study of the relationship between classroom context and the revisions of student writers. Indicates that students focus their revisions on surface and stylistic concerns. Suggests how specific features of the classroom context, including teaching methods, may influence the kinds of revisions undertaken by student writers.…

Examines computerized text analysis by considering questions related to how computerized text analysis programs function, the history of computerized text analysis, and the claims of previous research on computerized text analysis. It is suggested that claims about the effectiveness of computerized text analysis as a writing aid for…

Examines the effects of written retelling on ESL (English-as-a- Second-Language) students' writing skills. Suggests that written retelling can help ESL students build their linguistic foundations, learn about mainstream culture, and develop awareness of conventional English rhetorical structures. Indicates that written retelling improved student…

Investigated the relationship between free choice writing in primary classrooms and gender construction. Suggests that girls are rewarded for producing gendered content, form, and structure in their writing, and are not offered opportunities to learn to write in different forms for different audiences. Thus, free choice does not appear to lead to…

Middle school students with learning disabilities were successfully taught the COPS monitoring strategy to revise and correct writing mistakes. Steps in the strategy include capitalization of appropriate letters, overall appearance of paper, punctuation used correctly, and spelling accuracy. (JDD)

This review examines the research on literacy expectations and priorities for students using augmentative and alternative communication systems as well as for students without disabilities. It discusses implications of research findings for education and clinical practice, such as integrating literacy instruction with other activities, fostering…

A comparison of three popular computer programs for text analysis examined their effectiveness in analyzing texts written by students of English as a Second Language (ESL). Results indicate occasional incorrect advice and emphasis on relatively trivial issues, raising doubts about their effectiveness as a stand-alone revision aid for ESL writers.…

A study investigated gender-related patterns of student talk in teacher-directed and student-directed peer response groups in college writing classrooms. Females in both groups asked more questions, made more suggestions, and more often used gender-typical language. Although females and males in teacher-directed groups responded equally, females…

As illustrated in one college world literature course, videotape recording projects that require students to interpret and perform literary works can encourage them to incorporate their new learning with their own experiences. In the process, history becomes more real and literary works become more understandable and relevant. (MSE)

Discussion of creativity in writing focuses on a study of eighth graders that compared results of an expository writing assignment completed on word processors with the assignment using pencil and paper. Students' ability levels are considered, and revision processes are examined. (LRW)

A discussion of Kenneth Eble's opinions on the role of writing in college instruction reviews his positions on the term paper, writing across the curriculum, collaborative writing, handwritten papers, and learning through writing. (Author/MSE)