Finds that major differences of opinion exist between students and teachers with regard to the report-writing process. Notes classroom strategies that create congruent perceptions of the task. (SR)

Investigates whether readers are aware of and have any preferences about paragraph length. Finds that readers are aware and have a more positive attitude toward writing with paragraphs of less than 100 words. Finds that paragraph length does not affect attitudes toward the expertise of the writer, ease of comprehension, or quality of the passage.…

Describes using published journals and books written by adolescents to spark seventh graders' journal writing. (SR)

Explores the expressive forms of writing (diaries, journals, "freewrites," and responsive logs) of students. Examines gender as an important component of the social and political framework in which students learn about genres of writing. (RS)

Discusses the elements and activities in the workshop approach that motivate middle level students to begin to love to read and write. Examines the basic needs of students--survival, belonging, power, freedom, and fun. (RS)

Finds that students understand reading and writing as demonstrations of what they know, with the purpose of giving teachers what they want, and the hope of getting an "A." Shows that they begin to believe themselves so incompetent that they no longer enjoy reading and writing; indeed, they read and write as little as possible. (SR)

This article examines different manifestations of verbal talent and how teachers can identify and cultivate special verbal abilities in students. The provision of role models relevant to students' interests is stressed and a list of recommended biographies is included, as are literary experiences available to student writers. The relationship of…

Describes development of a process-oriented writing curriculum that provides continuity through the use of portfolios passed on to the students' next teacher and a classroom atmosphere that celebrates writing as a natural part of students' lives. (HTH)

Asserts that scholarly writers often ignore their audience when writing for publication. Offers suggestions for editors to help scholars write to communicate and be read. (PRA)

Investigates whether students are using a process approach to writing by examining pictures drawn by first year college students illustrating their procedures for writing a paper for school. Discusses various aspects revealed in the drawings. Finds that a process approach is scarcely apparent. (SR)

Asks college-level seniors in a business communication class which activities they believe help them improve their writing. Discusses the changes in their preferences between the first and last days of class. States that the results were disappointing because students seemed to value grammar exercises and lectures over outside reading and…

Compares German and French preschool children's attitudes about school and literacy. Notes that French preschools aim to prepare children for primary education, whereas German preschools give priority to learning through play. Finds that children developed attitudes in line with their preschool system and that only French children from deprived…

Presents an analysis of teachers' perceptions of themselves as writers with the goal of understanding how teachers' writing ability affects their work and qualifications as writing instructors. Places 32 teachers participating in a 3-day inservice writing workshop into 3 separate "identity concepts" (categories) and a fourth miscellaneous group.…

Argues that conventional definitions of literacy are too narrow. Examines weekly tallies of two adolescent girls' use of time, engaging in various discourse forms in school and other settings. Argues for an expanded view of literacy in the content areas, and notes ways literacy might be reconceptualized in content area classrooms. (SR)

Explores claims about creative writing through students' experiences in a summer introductory fiction workshop for non-English majors. Suggests that in writing instruction, the critical and the creative need to go hand in hand. Concludes that critical reflection on the makings and use of stories is crucial for students planning careers in…