Argues that information designers can obtain a better understanding of users by using the contextual inquiry methodology, which involves conducting open-ended conversations with users while they perform their work. Notes that information designers using contextual inquiry depend on context, partnership, and focus to make design decisions. Relates…

Explicates issues related to teaching, evaluating, and remediating handwriting, via a case study. States that children with handwriting problems need empathy, understanding, early identification, and remedial assistance. (SR)

Studies how formerly weak writers manage to write adequately for their jobs. Concludes that the rhetorical, psychological, and social environment of the workplace fosters better writing in basic writers than the academic environment. Recommends writing across the curriculum for duplicating the workplace-writing content in college writing classes.…

Analyzes how students from different interpretive communities shape academic texts. Examines subjects' texts in terms of writers' manipulation of both content and procedural knowledge. Suggests that mere participation in an interpretive community without explicit instruction in its ways of writing can enhance students' ability to write in that…

Investigates how accurately writers detect violations of the writing rules of Simplified English (SE) and what sorts of mistakes are likely to be made when text is rewritten to conform to SE rules. Concludes that training tools such as the Simplified English Analyser can lessen the writers' difficulties. (SR)

Describes a classroom study which found that mixed-sex collaborative writing pairs can be used effectively in the classroom to help students bridge the gender gap in their own writing. (SR)

Compares undergraduates' handwritten reports with those written on computers for 10 precisely defined quality factors. Finds more similarities than differences, with 6 of the 10 tests showing no significant differences. Notes that this study does not support a general conclusion that basic writing quality will improve in computer written…

Examines whether business writing courses result in improved language skills as measured by the Descriptive Test of Language Skills of the College Board (DTLS). Concludes that business writing courses, although designed to teach students how to write effective business communication, have the additional value of improving students' basic language…

Notes a growing movement in elementary schools to expand the amount of time devoted to writing. Contends that the visual arts is a neglected aspect of the curriculum. Explores the influence of drawing on third-grade students' writing performance. Finds that students who drew before writing tended, overall, to write better than students who did not…

Discusses how computer technology has brought with it a rethinking about how writing happens. Notes that research indicates that computers have a positive impact on student writing. Lists 15 web sites that may help teachers and students with the task of writing. (SG)

Explains how faculty at Quinnipiac College reconceptualized developmental English and designed a new program that provides additional instructional time within the regular freshman English course. Finds that developmental students are better motivated and achieve growth in reading and writing commensurate with students who had a prior semester of…

Analyzes think-aloud protocols with native speakers of English learning French or German. Shows that as the writer's experience with the language increases, fluency increases, the average length of strings of words proposed between pauses or revision episodes increases, the number of revision episodes decreases, and more of the words proposed as…

Discusses a model of argumentation adapted for instructional intervention with general education students and students with learning disabilities (LD). Reports results from three studies in which an experimental intervention has achieved some success in addressing the difficulties that students with LD have with argumentative writing. Draws…

Describes an exploratory study. Suggests that planning role play for specific purposes, introducing adults as equal players with strong modelling roles, and introducing an additional teaching intervention greatly enhances children's oral and written achievements. Finds this kind of role play can be seen as a legitimate way of implementing some…

Writing--and lots of it in all genres--is at the heart of the language arts curriculum and the skills of critical thinking that students need to develop to become prepared consumers and citizens. In this article, the author reflects on her growth as a writer and teacher, and offers an overview of what people know about writing, what they need to…