Outlines how technical communicators can use the five "W" questions approach--a core element of journalism--in the audience analysis phase of designing information to help ensure that the information meets the audience's needs. (SR)

Studies the influences of modeling and social feedback on the acquisition of writing revision with 72 college students. Social feedback during enactive performance assisted learners from all modeling groups in acquiring writing and self-regulatory skills. (Contains 25 references and 3 tables.) (GCP)

Efforts to improve the written communication skills of accounting and other business students at Columbus College (Georgia) include a required business writing course, required writing assignments in business and accounting courses, and use of a writing specialist as a consultant for students and faculty. (JOW)

Reprints a 1986 article from this journal which discusses the mission and goals of the Center for the Study of Writing. Updates the article with an Afterword commenting on the earlier piece. (SR)

Monitors several measures of progress toward a breakthrough improvement in computer manuals. Reports observations from a benchmark study of the state of the art in computer manuals, both paper and online. Suggests additional areas for improvement. (RS)

Describes 3 assignments for introductory-level business writing students (who have already learned the fundamentals of document design) that present design challenges in a sales letter, a resume, and a memo report and instructions, to be introduced in class over a period of 8 to 10 weeks. (SR)

Relates evidence from a writing-across-the-curriculum program which repeatedly shows the writing conference to be a critical vehicle for communicating with students, serving not only to instruct students in writing but to further their thinking. (SR)

Argues that the best approach for technical editors is to abandon the language cops' billy club, listen to what the authors want to say, and give those authors friendly expertise, without rigid prescription or blanket condemnation. (SR)

Compares the grammatical structure of original press releases with the resultant placements in daily newspapers. Finds that, in their use of press releases, journalists almost always have to make them simpler, shorter, easier to read, and less passive. (SR)

Offers a description of the journalistic way to write, condensed into the acronym CODE (Collect facts, Order, Development, and Edit). (SR)

Argues that, as decision makers, students must sort out their rhetorical contexts to determine whether a sentence needs the active voice or the passive voice. Notes that one source for finding realistic sample sentences for learning about the passive voice is the daily newspaper, and offers examples from the business section, sports page,…

Claims many student writers long for instruction in using writing to assess, define, and assert who they are becoming. Suggests these students would find Black feminist essayists useful for their ability to reconcile social and personal identities and for directing those identities toward rhetorically useful ends. (NH)

Advocates the use of commonplace books (a time-honored way for students to collect, analyze, and reflect on the writings, thoughts, and rhetorical strategies of others) as a means of teaching style integrated with other components of rhetoric. Argues that students become closer readers and critical thinkers about the nature of ideas and language…

Considers defining "culture," noting how it is difficult to define because those individuals defining it cannot separate themselves from it. Relates these issues to student writing and their writing improvement. Addresses violence in relation to culture. (SG)

Clarifies the nature and definition of explanatory journalism. Distinguishes journalistic explanation from news analysis, interpretation, and investigation. Reveals, by using rhetorical analysis, that explanatory journalism within the journalistic profession is both praised and prized, evaded and reviled. Aims to set a clearer foundation for…