Effective writing requires mastering grammar. For journalists, this mastery is critical because research shows poor grammar erodes media credibility. College writing instructors say students do not understand basic grammar concepts, and greater numbers of students are enrolling in remedial writing classes. This quasi-experimental mixed methods…

This study contributes to public relations (PR) literature and research because it finds and highlights discrepancies between male and female PR faculty concerning their involvement or lack thereof with designated labor-intensive teaching and service responsibilities. More specifically, this study finds that more females serve as faculty advisors…

This study explored student self-perceptions of writing skills in journalism and mass communication programs at thirteen public state universities in the mid-Atlantic region. Factor analysis revealed seven sets of perceptions among 860 students. A Media Writing Self-Perception Scale was constructed and found to be reliable. The authors propose…

A required writing mechanics course for mass communication students was moved online. A case study experiment manipulating the course design was conducted to determine effects on student engagement, learning, and satisfaction. Online designs with greater interactivity capabilities are positively associated with all three outcomes. These desirable…

Examines the relationship between ability grouping of media writing students and their writing competence over time. Finds that students in the different ability groups start the media writing course with a wide gap in mechanical skill level; the gap is eliminated at final exam time. Notes that when students are measured on the same set of skills…

Explores correlates of college writing students' use of instructor comments. Considers interrelationships among writing apprehension, writing outcomes expectations, writing self-efficacy beliefs, and students' use of global and local feedback from instructors when students revise first drafts of news stories. Finds that writing apprehension, the…

Notes that the need to teach basic grammar has increased as journalism programs expand their focus to match workforce skills. Proposes that a Web-based Targeted Approach to Grammar System (TAGS) is a development in grammar checkers that is useful for teaching and learning. Discusses a pedagogical approach to using TAGS via the Web. (PM)

Notes that with evidence suggesting self-efficacy is correlated with writing performance, this study focuses on identifying other variables related to self-efficacy. Concludes that such information proves useful because it may help instructors gain a better understanding of their students' performance throughout the semester and may better explain…

Proposes abandoning the traditional auto mechanic metaphor for teaching news writing (which establishes the teacher's expertise at the expense of the student's learning) in favor of a dialogic method. Argues that dialogic learning that is double looped creates learning advantages for students, and models the social inquiry process of journalism.…

Proposes a change in the way creativity is taught in journalism design classes. Suggests pedagogical strategies that incorporate creativity research into the journalism design curriculum. Proposes a curriculum that is empirically based rather than anecdotal, and one that demystifies creativity and offers students specific techniques and practice…

Attempts to identify predictors of ability in the first week of an introductory journalism writing course. Finds that students with higher self-efficacy and students who spend more time reading newspapers seemed to be the best prepared on the first day of the introductory course. (SG)

Describes a technique for using e-mail and the World Wide Web to teach an introductory media writing course online. Surveys students' attitudes toward the technique and evaluates the technique's effectiveness in helping students learn. Finds that participating students rated the course highly enjoyable and convenient, and substantial majorities…

Provides fundamental information on learning disabilities relevant to programs preparing students for print media careers. Discusses learning disabilities specific to written expression. Examines legal issues and offers an overview of the types of appropriate accommodations that may be made in the classroom, including assistive technology and…

Argues that one way to learn the art of concise, tightly-structured, focused prose is through the composing of 55-word short stories. Outlines stylistic characteristics of 55-word stories and discusses how its practice can improve journalistic writing. (SR)

Demonstrates the usefulness of ability grouping in a "media, writing, and information gathering" course to improve students' writing skills. Notes students improved to the point where the gap in skills between ability groups was eliminated. Finds objective tests of mechanical skills did not predict students' writing ability. Suggests writing…