Traditional notions of literacy have been transformed regarding usage, purpose, context, and symbolic meaning. The context of individual reading and writing efforts is always inherently social. To achieve full literacy for all students, students must use texts to empower action, thinking, and feeling in the context of purposeful social activity.…

Critiques Freyd and Lytle's evaluation of the IBM Writing to Read program in the same "Educational Leadership" issue. Claims that WTR helps kindergarten and first grade students produce stories they otherwise would not have written and that research results were misinterpreted. IBM should be allowed to compete in the language education…

Lists seven award-winning higher education English composition computer software programs. (RS)

Discusses a "write-back" strategy for use when there is insufficient class time for conferencing with peers or the teacher. Notes that the teacher agrees to respond to students' drafts within 24 hours. Discusses 3 options available to students: (1) write back/respond; (2) edit; and (3) writing back. (RS)

Outlines a set of terms which can be used (in sequencing writing assignments from simple to complex) to make distinctions between kinds of sequences and notions of complexity. Shows how these terms allow teachers to understand the logic of various sequences, compare and contrast related sequences, and evaluate the concept of assignment sequence.…

Charts the dimensions of introductory newspaper news writing classes as they are taught today in colleges and universities. Defines a model for excellence in the class by distinguishing between courses in nationally recognized writing programs versus those in programs that have not attained such acclaim. (MM)

Argues that certain techniques of literary journalism should be taught to journalism students. Asserts that teachers of journalistic writing should focus on the following critical aspects of quality writing: narrative and scenes within the narrative; use of dialogue; incisive characterization; insightful interpretation; and flair, color, and…

Describes several ways in which instructional examples of news stories can be used effectively in the classroom: describing features, analyzing matched examples, and using problem-solving activities. (MM)

Describes a writing activity in which students compose their own versions of the yellow, diamond-shaped signs which frequent the rear windows of automobiles. Notes that such "environmental writing" became a personal challenge for the students to represent in a few words the essential concepts and ideas about reading and responding. (RS)

Notes that, although linguistics has had little influence on composition pedagogy, the study of functional grammar or linguistic performance (how language is actually used) is of direct value to composition theory. Offers an extended discussion of a functional approach to punctuation instruction, and proposes a functional approach in other areas…

Recounts a conversation with author Ken Kesey. Describes a year-long graduate writing course in which Kesey and his students collaborated on a novel. Explains how the novel was written and how characters and plot were developed. Suggests that, if available to the class, computers would have simplified the writing. (SG)

Argues the need for additional experience in language for social action in contexts where English teachers can provide scaffolding, monitoring and intervention. Concludes that students must have experiences in real writing contexts that lead them to face the linguistic and other demands which will enable them to develop the competencies they need.…

Argues that metaphor offers students and teachers a significant (but little used) means of communication. Contends that by examining and extending student metaphors for composing, teachers gain valuable information about how students struggle to create a text and how they struggle with teachers over issues of power and authority. (RS)

Presents notes toward a reevaluation of teacher knowledge and of the most important form in which that knowledge is represented--stories. (RS)

Assesses the compatibility of computer conferencing with collaborative learning. Finds that computer conferencing is another form of computer technology well-suited for the teaching of writing as a socially constituted process. Finds that computer conferencing integrates school life with life outside the school. (RS)