Discusses specific problems (arising in the context of a writing center visit) that writing assignments have caused students. Considers problems in teachers communicating objectives with students, unspecific teacher comments on students' papers, lack of examples for the writing assignment, overemphasis on grammatical correctness, unspecified…

Several methods of qualifying for enrollment in English 1A (Freshman English and Composition) at Reedley College exist: among them, a grade of C or better in English A (Remedial English), teacher recommendation in English 50 (a course for students not intending to transfer), SAT Verbal score of 466 or higher, ACT score of 20 or higher on the…

Describes a simple structuring device for teaching paragraphing skills which focuses the student's attention on the subject of the paragraph and a specific interest in the subject. Outlines how to use the method for showing basic writers how to proceed to longer compositions. (HB)

Suggests that teachers use a tape recorder, with students resubmitting an erased cassette tape with each composition, for recording responses to written work as an alternative to the less instructive comments written in the margin of a paper. (HTH)

Presents and discusses three confessions regarding the effects computers have had on writing processes and products of three writing teachers. Suggests approaches to the use of word processing in composition courses and to research on such use. (SD)

Describes how the author, in 3 to 4 50-minute class sessions of an entry-level composition course, uses popular culture to help students understand and appreciate the use of irony. (SR)

Most teachers have seen the reactions students can have to tasks and activities that they do not find engaging: the glassy or rolling eyes, the unfocused behavior, and the cries of "Not again!" This article provides practical techniques that the author's students have helped him learn over the years to better "activate" materials and tasks in the…

Describes how a teacher's contact with a published author, an interview and subsequent research into that author's work, stimulates students' interest in the author, provides crediblity for the teacher, and generates material for publication. (NH)

Argues that poststructural literary theory raises concerns about the validity of holistic scoring. Concludes that, in the case of large-scale writing assessment, failure to consider the implications of poststructural theory can result in reliable but hardly valid readings of students' essays. (PRA)

Many Western universities are experiencing considerable growth in the numbers of postgraduate research students, both local and international. This increase and diversification bring with them challenges for how to make these students' research studies successful. In particular, what students may wish to receive by way of supervisor-student…

Presents an assignment that requires students to seek out, classify, analyze, and evaluate data in order to emphasize the "search" aspect of research writing. (EL)

Statistics and trends on minority enrollment in independent colleges are summarized. During 1986-1988, enrollment of minority students increased by 5.3%, slightly faster than the rate of increase for minority students at public institutions. Minority student enrollment in independent colleges accounted for 18.4% of the full time equivalent…

Describes the use of the proverb "a watched pot never boils" to help students make the relationship between literal statements and the reader's own experience. (MKM)

This study examines how interactions with institutional agents (faculty and academic counselors) and select student support programs influence success (i.e., grade point average) and intentions to persist to degree completion for Latino/a community college students. Using social capital theory and college impact models, the study controls for the…

Against the limitations English monolingualism imposes on composition scholarship, as evident in journal submission requirements, frequency of references to non-English medium writing, bibliographical resources, and their own past work, the authors argue for adopting a translingual approach to languages, disciplines, localities, and research…