This article discusses the use of a conference format in teaching a required English composition course. The focus of the course is student research and presentation; thus, simulating a conference was a natural fit for the course's overall goals. Students worked in one of four committees: the Call for Proposals Committee, the Proposal Evaluation…

Addresses the importance of teaching students the research writing process. Suggests that identifying and selecting social concerns as subject matter will develop student interest while combining meaningful writing experiences with social studies lessons. Reviews an example of research based on social concerns from selection through writing. (DK)

A key element in a research paper writing assignment modified for students of English as a second language to assure their success is teacher control over most of the process. A chronological plan for action for the micro research project includes these steps: creating an awareness of current events and controversial issues, practicing necessary…

Intended to supplement the textbook series "Houghton Mifflin English Grammar and Composition" and to offer students and classroom teachers in the secondary schools a review of research writing, this guide outlines a step-by-step process allowing for thorough student comprehension and comfort with the application of basic research and…

Discussing a teacher's effort to improve the research techniques of her secondary students, this paper outlines the implementation of controlled research projects. It suggests using many small projects to develop researching techniques, rather than one large "end-of-the-semester" project. The paper gives 8 different topic options for these "micro…

Presents an assignment that requires students to seek out, classify, analyze, and evaluate data in order to emphasize the "search" aspect of research writing. (EL)

Three installments of "Writing Assignment of the Month," a regular feature of the National Council of Teachers of English publication, "Notes Plus," are presented in this compilation. The articles describe writing exercises which have proven to be successful in the classroom. The first article gives suggestions for introducing…

Using a sequential approach, this booklet identifies a number of research skills students need to become independent in gathering and presenting information. The booklet begins with a brief description of the sequential development of research skills it recommends, a bar graph representation of the skills used as a curriculum planner, and a…

Describes a research paper project for high school students that requires them to incorporate source information into a conversational letter. Builds topic around an imaginary class reunion aboard an ocean liner. Notes that the students internalize the assignment, find a practical reason for using reference books, and actually enjoy the research.…

A technique for teaching writing in academic English as a second language (ESL) to students bound for college-level courses focuses on one essential reading and writing skill: using multiple sources as input for writing. The program is designed for any level and consists of a series of readings and a number of questions, the answers to which…

Intended for use by secondary school English teachers and school librarians, this teaching guide provides lesson plans for instruction pertaining to library and research skills. The first section presents lessons to improve library skills. The five lessons cover (1) the organization and arrangement of the library, (2) the card catalog, (3)…

A freshman humanities course in reading and research was used by three English instructors to investigate the appropriateness of having students use an online database as a research tool. The results show that the acquisition of basic online database search skills is not qualitatively different from that of more traditional research skills.…

It was once thought that research skills were too cognitively demanding for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students. This paper presents guidelines for teaching the research process to secondary ESL students at both beginning and advanced language proficiency levels. The following steps related to writing and presenting orally a research…

Because students often produce writing that incorporates few or no outside sources of information, or is incorrectly documented, library skill instruction should be a part of the basic curriculum in college. Students need this instruction most at the beginning of their higher educational career, for these skills will be necessary throughout and…

Discusses a method for involving students in topics so that research evolves from a desire to know. Describes using response group discussion about real life problems to find topics, freewriting loops, and class presentation before and during research. Reports positive atmosphere and interest. (JG)