One of a series of educational packages designed for implementation either in a workshop atmosphere or through individual study, this Hot Topic guide presents a variety of materials to assist educators in designing and implementing classroom projects and activities centering on the topic of computers and writing. The Hot Topic guide contains…

This practicum investigated whether using whole language, cooperative learning, CAI, and an authentic audience to create a magazine would help second and third grade students to learn punctuation skills. The practicum was implemented at a private, south Florida summer computer camp to two different target groups of eight elementary students. Both…

An approach to writing instruction for elementary and secondary school learners of English as a Second Language is described. The activity was developed for use in schools in non-English-speaking cultures where report writing skills may be neglected at that level. It introduces report writing and documentation of sources, and teaches the basic…

This book contains a collection of articles from "Home Education Magazine" for the years 1984-94. The articles offer views and information on socialization, the selection of curriculum materials, networking, evaluation and accountability, legal considerations, political involvement, higher education, and the location of resources. The book's six…

New multicultural anthologies too often end up looking suspiciously like the color palate of a paint-by-numbers kit. Canonical tokenism is quickly seen as a ruse by minority students and teachers who are circumspect and adept at uncovering counterfeits. As an alternative to tokenism, one recommendation is to use Patricia Bizzell's "contact…

This guide contains 15 learning activities that can be used in parenting classes, especially for adults with limited literacy skills. Activities include quotations for discussion and suggestions for conducting group discussions and writing lessons. The following activities are included: interpreting quotations about raising children; positive…

A practicum was designed to increase second-grade teachers' expertise and knowledge in integration of literature themes with writing and oral presentations. The problem addressed was that many students did not receive adequate support and opportunities to interconnect reading and original writing. There was nothing in the language arts series, nor…

Four areas of consideration are crucial to the development of an effective English-as-a-Second-Language writing program: the nature of basic writers; acquisition of written language; approaches to teaching basic writing; and classroom strategies. Basic writers are students who have studied writing for years but are still unable to produce…

This report describes a project to develop a tutor training model for teaching adults who manifested signs of learning disabilities. A needs assessment was done by surveying previously trained tutors. Existing adult literacy materials and instructional materials specifically developed for individuals with learning disabilities were reviewed and…

Writing-Across-the-Curriculum (WAC), a pedagogic reform that has been gathering strength since the 1970s, is an effort to shift the full burden of writing instruction away from composition classes and return the charge to the disciplines or content areas. This professional reference book is intended to educate librarians about WAC. Nine chapters…

A study examined what children do within a teacher/learner relationship as they learn about text. The two questions guiding the study are: (1) how does a child's relationship with his teacher help him learn to read and write, and (2) what qualities of this relationship stand out as essential to the meaning making process? An account of the…

How does a hiring committee define the requisite knowledge essential for a writing program administrator (WPA)? A survey of writing program administrators revealed that typical WPAs begin their academic career by taking a B.A. in English and then proceeding on a more or less predictable course with an M.A. in English and a Ph.D. in English,…

It is argued that non-academic texts should be included as instructional materials for teaching college-level reading and writing skills, and recommends dialogues such as edited transcripts of interviews. Advantages cited include: better student comprehension of contemporary modes of discourse; clear relationships between grammar and communicative…

A study examined how 8 writers, both successful and less successful (4 of each), constructed their interpretations of teachers' written comments and what factors influenced their readings of teachers' comments. Subjects, 8 students enrolled in the first semester writing course at Olivet Nazarene University, a small private liberal arts…

College composition teachers face serious difficulties with student anger in trying to teach writing to poorly prepared students who do not see the need for learning standard English. Most teachers would agree that they are trying to teach writing in a much harsher, less receptive climate produced by powerful social forces over which they have…