Asserts that a student-writing portfolio can be a powerful tool for writing instruction. Describes how students compile a portfolio, and the types of writing included. Discusses the use of collaboration in the writing process and methods of assessment. (PRA)

Describes a teacher's experience with a research paper assignment in which the project remained in the students' hands from start to finish. Notes the students' reactions to the project, and the teacher's struggle to redefine her role. Discusses the students' follow-up journals and some of the surprises along the way. (PRA)

Traditionally, composition teachers have offered instruction at only two points: before the writing (through lessons in grammar and style) and after the writing (through error correction and evaluation). The most important part of the learning process comes during the writing activity, when students are struggling with ideas and issues like form,…

A discussion of the need to teach revision as part of the writing process begins with an analysis of the revision process and presents results of experiments in teaching revision. Some specific classroom techniques for teaching error detection and revision are then outlined. (20 references) (Author/MSE)

Discusses how literature can help students to better understand the human condition and, therefore, the way people do business. Discusses the importance of expressiveness in technical writing. Notes student resistance to these concepts. (SR)

Notes the increasing number of learning-disabled (LD) students in college writing classes and the serious lack of research and training in how best to deal with their writing problems. Makes 25 suggestions for classroom management to help alleviate some of the problems that LD students face. (SR)

Describes and flowcharts the process of writing a resume to help students to write more orderly and logically. Includes steps beginning with the personal inventory and ending with the final copy. (PRA)

Asserts that students have difficulty presenting convincing arguments because they have little experience with well-reasoned argumentation. Outlines the parts of an argument and how to practice oral and written argumentation. States that students need specific criteria with which to analyze/evaluate writing and a gradual move from teacher-led work…

Describes the writing problems of a poor, black, urban student who wants to succeed in college but doesn't know how. Asserts that language use, particularly the use of Black English, plays a major role in their lack of academic success. Offers drills and strategies to help with this problem. (PRA)

Investigates the grammatical and formal writing preferences of college professors, for the purpose of informing high school instructors about the students' future audience. Surveys professors' attitudes regarding disapproval of forms and stylistic preferences, and compare results with those of two other usage surveys. (PRA)

Offers research-based advice on how to promote effective collaboration in writing projects: (1) delaying consensus; (2) engaging in substantive conflict while avoiding affective and procedural conflict; and (3) operating in a cooperative rather than competitive climate. Notes three strategies for students and professionals to delay consensus:…

Looks at the way thinking has changed regarding one specific application: using word processors to teach writing to students with learning disabilities. Reviews research done in this area. (MG)

A sixth grade teacher discusses how she enhanced student writing and thinking skills by having them collaborate on a class monster story. The article describes how they created the story. A copy of the story is included. (SM)

Explores one teacher-researcher's attempt to involve students in theory-building research of their own composing processes. Aims to increase involvement of rural youth in higher education, youth who have traditionally remained on the farm or gone directly to work in now-faltering rural economies. Shares an outline of the course plan. (MG)

Shares students' reactions to written responses from teachers. (MG)