Explains that political science instructors should assign several short writing assignments that are different but related. Discusses the importance of clear guidelines. Addresses responding to writing assignments, discussing the three-part evaluation process, evaluating writing as a process, being aware of student reactions, and providing helpful…

Discusses the use of rubrics in the music classroom, focusing on a description of rubrics, using rubrics for writing assignments and to assess performance and instruction, obtaining student input when creating rubrics, and the benefits of rubrics. Provides sample rubrics. (CMK)

Investigates compliance with required reading assignments from 1981 to 1997 (excluding 1984 and 1985) in psychology classes. Finds that compliance declined dramatically since 1981 and compliance improved as a function of increasing class level. Suggests a renewed emphasis on compliance with required reading assignments and an incorporation of…

Focuses on the use of a Reader's Journal that involves students in writing informal responses to reading assignments for history courses. Explains that the Reader's Journal is used to improve students' reading of assignments. Discusses students' responses to the journal entry assignment and the challenges involved. (CMK)

In the 20th century, student work was dominated by paper-print assignments, particularly essays. This was a reflection of the dominant media technology of that century--books, magazines, newspapers, radio, and television. But those days are gone. In the 21st century, the dominant media technology of today's students is the Internet. In addition to…

At Moravian College, the Communication course is an interdisciplinary introduction to the writing process, designed to help freshmen develop strategies for solving problems at each stage of writing. The course is unique in that it is not meant to be taught exclusively by members of the English department and is taught in close alliance with…

Noting that students often have difficulty reading texts for information, this book offers practical, classroom-tested techniques that focus on content while encouraging students to take control of their own learning by expanding their repertoire of reading strategies. The book defines "infotexts" as the books, textbooks, journals,…

A mountain of paperwork can be pared to a molehill when teachers concentrate on diagnostic and testing techniques that minimize written responses. This article explains how to evaluate students in ways that emphasize oral responses, hand signals, and student grading of papers. (PP)

In England, secondary school history teacher education courses last around thirty-six weeks and consists of both university and school-based studies at the university of Birmingham. Throughout the 36 weeks, student teachers are required to be involved in a variety of different activities one of which is preparing assignments concerning the…

This book offers detailed and complex guidance, and the necessary techniques, for grading college students' writing. It examines why it is important to integrate grading into the writing process; the need for effective writing assignments; ensuring fair professorial judgments; promoting student learning; helping students learn how to respond…

Describes a physical geology assignment in which students are required to keep a journal of their daily observations, impressions, and questions which come to mind about the Earth. Presents the role of the journal, outlines the criteria for evaluation, and provides samples of student reaction to the assignment. (GS)

Discusses the use of assignments that require students to write about works of literature as a substitute for taking literature examinations; reports results of a study of the types of literature-related writing tasks assigned in four schools in England. (GT)

Focuses on improving grading efficiency and compatibility by using computer-aided evaluation that is especially useful for grading performance assignments in basic communication courses. (PA)

Describes the rewards and challenges of using the Patchwork Text to teach Greek Tragedy to Cambridge University English final-year students. The article uses close reading of the students' texts, analysis and reflection to discuss both the products and the process of Patchwork writing. (Author/AEF)

Looks at the process of designing and assessing coursework for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) course in Business Studies. Provides a flow chart illustrating stages in coursework design and includes examples. Offers suggestions for grading assignments according to the GCSE Business Studies syllabus. (LS)