In the Spring 2017 semester, an instructional designer, a writing center coordinator, and a director of distance library services initiated a pilot project for a seven-campus, eight-satellite center, public university system to cross-train virtual writing tutors in baseline research skills. This case study describes the collaborative pilot…

While the remarkable accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin are unparalleled, the means of their attainment can be considered more accessible to ordinary people and not necessarily attributable to a special genius. The steady development of Franklin's knowledge and skills is traced in light of a new model of "dynamic learning," which is a method…

The "plain English" movement began in 1975 when Citibank of New York introduced the first simplified promissory note. This led to much legislative activity and reform in the area of writing for consumers. The new challenge will be to simplify "computerese." (Author/CH)

The author makes some specific suggestions for writers of manuals and user guides in the need for (1) an overview, (2) an informative table of contents, and (3) an opening summary for each chapter. Task-oriented informative subheads facilitate the retrieval of information. The kind of use and the user's needs affect the organization and…

Describes the efforts of one public utility to simplify its bills and make them more informative. Benefits included (1) significant savings on customer complaints, (2) improved employee morale, and (3) upgraded public image. (CH)

In examining documentation difficulties through user surveys, Citibank found that their many different accounts each had unique forms, and accounts were booked in different locations and currencies. New forms emerged with new types of accounts. Refinement efforts reduced the number of forms from 64 to 4. (Author/CH)

While the appreciation for plain English is taking hold, some areas of business writing still need attention. Jargon is a problem, as well as euphemisms and the growing density of expression that have softened the language. Mail-order catalogs work well as a training ground for compressed, effective persuasive writing. (Author/CH)

Discusses legislation that mandates clear writing in warranties. Also discusses conflicting legislation that encourages unclear writing. (Author/CH)

Discusses philosophical and pedagogical commonalities in the fields of composition and women's studies by examining the work of Ann E. Berthoff and Susanne K. Langer. (RS)

Proposes the introduction of dual seminars into the mathematics major, a first-year seminar and a senior seminar. Both seminars focus on critical developmental skills such as reading mathematics, writing in mathematics, proof, and recognizing the fundamental unity of the fields of mathematics. (Author/MM)

An anthropologist is urging development of better-defined standards for the evaluation of the writing of ethnographies. (MSE)

Discusses second edition of "The Handbook of Nonsexist Writing," by Miller and Swift which discusses insensitivity and oversight regarding linguistic sexism, as well as suggestions in this regard. Claims failing to recognize even the most subtle demonstrations of linguistic sexism could impede counselors' service to clients, professional…

Discusses experiences teaching senior seminar at a small women's college where the emphasis is on the writing process, practicing of presentations, and fellow student feedback. (Author/MM)

In exploring her uneasiness in dealing with issues of religion in her classroom, the author asks, "Should I guide students away from writing about issues that explicitly dealt with their faith? Should I impose an outright prohibition on such writing? Or should I find ways to engage with the issues and the perspectives that were so clearly…

Introduces a special issue of this journal devoted to bilingualism in texts. Explores the practice of bilingual writing in a wide variety of texts, with emphasis on the historical dimensions of the problem, on increased attention to actual texts and their various contexts, and on some of the details of the practice of bilingual writing. (SR)