Reports the views of several experienced composition teachers regarding composition textbooks in general and their use in computer course sections specifically. (MM)

Advocates using the satiric interview style, popularized by the comedy team of "Bob and Ray," as an ideal model for satire writing at the secondary level. (MM)

Outlines several writing activities inspired by "Mad" magazine which incorporate humor, satire, and critical thinking. (MM)

Describes several patterned language books useful in helping students overcome writing apprehension by supplying them with the form, so that all they have to do is provide the creative ideas. (RS)

Asserts that passive constructions are not the mark of flawed writing as many textbooks claim them to be but are instead frequent and effective stylistic variants. (RAE)

Examines four different approaches to a communication case (the "Kleen Sweep" case), emphasizing that there can be several "right" answers to situational and communication problems. Urges instructors to explore strategies with students, and notes that the openendedness of communication cases is the pre-eminent rationale for…

Explores the problem of sexist language in written communication. Offers a definition of sexist language, and suggests possible solutions for eliminating sex bias in language. Urges technical writing instructors to address the issue in their classes, noting that sexist language can cause serious problems in efforts to communicate effectively. (MM)

Suggests that the correlation between writing instruction and the psychoanalytic process is most apparent in the interaction between writing center tutors and their students. Argues that the core of tutoring and psychotherapy is the interactional dynamics of a search for insight involving an intimate transference of trust and vulnerability between…

Describes Colgate University's Interdisciplinary Writing Program which hires teachers of composition from the fields of English, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. Describes historical reasons for developing the program, benefits accrued, problems entailed, and recommendations for others wishing to develop similar programs. (RS)

Describes the training and operation of the "Write Team," a class of high school junior and senior writing coaches who help students with first- or second-draft writing before a teacher evaluates it. (RS)

Reviews four professional references and two books for instructional materials to help teachers use stories more effectively in the classroom. (MG)

Reviews professional references and instructional materials that focus on language arts instruction. (MM)

Investigates how editors and reporters view writing coaches and identifies factors that affect those views. Finds that coaches are considered most effective in one-on-one work with reporters. (RS)

Discusses the special training in report writing needed by students majoring in social work (practice in specific report structures, and in certain style matters, including objective word choice, excessive passive voice, and parallel structure in lists). (SR)

Discusses some problems of the process approach to writing instruction. Investigates the impact of productivity on student performance and attitudes; whether forcing productivity is workable in the classroom; and whether productivity shows potential for helping students develop as writers. Notes that practice is an important part of the writing…