Explores what it means to think visually and spatially in hypertexts and how users react and maneuver in real and virtual three-dimensional spaces. Offers four principles of visual thinking that can be applied when developing hypertexts. Applies these principles to actual hypertexts, demonstrating how selectivity, fixation, depth discernment, and…

Notes that finding a way to integrate grading and responding in a manner that promotes learning through revision is one major challenge for composition instructors. Argues that instructors must find a way to shape their classrooms shifting the emphasis from "getting it right the first time," to learning to see writing as an activity that evolves…

Discusses the case of a parent who enrolled her daughter in an after-school literacy program after being told she was not succeeding in school. Notes the teacher was by turns suspicious of and uninterested in the techniques used in the program. Examines the girl's development as a learner as she worked with her mother on developing weekly grocery…

Highlights the teacher's critical role in spelling instruction and provides examples of how to support spelling development in classrooms. Argues that educators need to look closely at children's emerging capacities as writers, focusing especially on the issue of invented spelling, and its use and misuse in classroom practices. (SG)

Arguing that becoming a successful author requires the ability to write simply, clearly, and forcefully, this book provides practical suggestion for clear and forceful professional writing. Chapters include: (1) "Why Write"; (2) "Finding Topics"; (3) "Getting Started"; (4) "About Style"; (5) "Organizing…

Addressing parents, this pamphlet describes ways to help children learn to write well and thereby excel in school, enjoy self-expression, and become more self-reliant. Writing is discussed as a practical, job-related, stimulating, social, and therapeutic activity that receives inadequate attention in many schools. It is emphasized that writing is…

Teachers who conference well with writers often assume a role different from that of the traditional dispenser of information. A number of components have been identified that underlie good communication practices in helping relationships. Teachers can use the following listening or attending skills in virtually any conferencing format: basic…

Describes a California junior high school program using "Writing across the Curriculum." As the program developed over the years, writing became viewed more as a legitimate learning tool. (MD)

The article describes use of dialogue journals (in which teacher and student communicate privately in writing) to improve the writing of learning disabled students. Dialogue journals provide a means for students to use reading and writing in meaningful, purposeful ways. (DB)

Discusses the advantages of conference teaching in writing labs. Provides several guidelines for conducting a teacher-student conference. (MM)

Demonstrates several different ways to visually display patterns of data. Discusses how the different graphics highlight different information in the data. (SR)

Considers the "marginality" of the situation of writing centers and their directors. Explores a possible reinvention for writing centers' history and mentality, with the help of concepts from anthropology. Finds that the writing center is not a space, a pedagogy, or an academic department; it crosses all disciplines. Surveys cultural…

Reports results of an observational study of museum exhibit design. Suggests eight communication practices from successful museum exhibit design that could be transferred to information design for the Web. (SR)

Examines the theoretical and pragmatic objections to first-year composition courses raised by recent abolitionists who are composition insiders. Assesses four frequently proposed alternative models of first-year composition. Discusses evaluating these alternatives from the perspective of a writing program administrator's dual roles of curriculum…

Discusses the creation of a group from Interplay 1997 (an international festival of young playwrights) that would write a play on the Internet and present the finished piece at Interplay 1999. Suggests that Internet collaboration could be useful to high school theater students and teachers. Presents a list of skills the playwrights taught each…