Offers a reference report assignment as a final task instead of an exam in a business and technical writing course. Notes that the purpose of the report is not to research but to organize and synthesize the information learned over the semester. (JC)

This review of computer-aided writing includes a brief software survey and an evaluation of current uses of educational technology. Recommendations for the future are also made. (GDC)

Argues for an integrated, developmental curriculum in which teachers teach non-narrative forms as part of children's desire to make meaning. Outlines elements of an integrated K-12 curriculum and discusses non-narrative writing and reading in relation to narrative in the context of the whole curriculum. (MM)

Presents an exercise for teachers which illustrates the limitations of workbook drills and rule study by teaching a brief hypothetical grammar text of five rules and exceptions, then employing those rules in standard drill exercises and a writing assignment. Claims that traditional pedagogies of formal grammar are not effective in improving…

The Better Schools Program began in 1984 throughout Tennessee. This 10-point program improved achievement by emphasizing basic skills, computer skills, increased math and science requirements, special programs, and a redefinition of vocational education. Sensitive issues such as year-round schools and incentive pay for teachers have been…

Claims students' use of the cliche is unavoidable and relative to culture, place, and time, and that the cliche can, and often does, communicate efficiently. Suggests six techniques such as extending, inverting, punning, and combining, that combined with some imagination, can turn cliches into small teasures. (NH)

For students who have difficulty finding material for writing formal business and technical reports, suggests keeping a file folder of clippings about new products and services taken from a leading newspaper.(NH)

Presents the dialectical model, in which a thesis gives rise to an antithesis, thus creating the need for a synthesis, as an alternative to thesis-support structured compositions. Claims that the dialectical model's demand for an antithesis urges writers to look past the limits of prejudice and custom. (MM)

Identifies and surveys writing coaches--people whose specific responsibility in a newsroom is the improvement of style and content in reporters' news stories--about their methods of coaching and the problems they encounter. Notes that coaches perceive a need for more discussion about reporting and writing in the newsroom. (MM)

Identifies three challenges faced by the field of technical communications: (1) to define the kind of education required for technical writing; (2) to establish technical writing as a profession; and (3) to determine what technical writers do that is unique and worth remuneration. Includes a brief history of technical communication. (JAD)

Teachers can increase the written production of learning disabled students by using mnemonic strategies when planning and teaching written expression skills. The STARS (Structure Talking Assistance Reinforcement Self-Management) procedure is designed to provide the motivational remediation that encourages students with limited writing skills to…

The article examines writing characteristics of learning disabled students in five areas (planning, content generation, framing, production, and revising) and reviews remedial teaching techniques appropriate for each area. (DB)

Claims that writing logs constitute an effective teaching tool in basic college writing courses. Discusses one teacher's success using writing logs to assist the development of students' freewriting skills. Includes sample entries revealing students' comments and progress throughout the term and documenting the teacher's response to these…

Discusses the problems that teachers face in dealing with developmental writers, including (1) why they are academically disadvantaged, (2) where to begin instruction, (3) how to determine assignments, and (4) how to evaluate their progress. (JD)

Claims that self-evaluation instruments strengthen students' ability to evaluate their own writing and improve writing instruction. Argues that self-evaluation exercises should (1) help students evaluate their writing, (2) demystify teachers' grades, (3) encourage students' awareness as writers, (4) require written responses from student, and (5)…