Investigates whether more frequent revising throughout composing interferes with the constructive processes of composition of eighth graders. Finds that the effects of word processors interact with individual student differences. Suggests that researchers and writing teachers need to consider these potential differences when prescribing word…

Investigates whether students revise more extensively and successfully with a computer than with conventional methods. Indicates that writing on a computer did not lead to increased revision for these students and that no positive relationship existed between extensive revision and the quality ratings. (AEW)

Examines student responses to their teachers' written comments on their papers. Finds that students are equally interested in getting responses on content, purpose and organization as on sentence structure, wording and correctness; and students prefer specific comments with explanations over negative comments or comments that seek to control their…

Investigates the relative effectiveness of two adjunct questioning techniques employed to increase writers' elaboration. (HOD)

Investigates the relative effectiveness of general modes of instruction and specific instructional activities using a nonexperimental methodology and a group of 16 teachers and 275 students, grades 1, 3-6, and 8. Finds that only one combination of activities was associated with large gains (especially in the lower grades) and this combination…

Analyzes the editing behavior of skilled and less skilled writers. Results show that while the more skilled writers almost always corrected more errors than the less skilled, the two groups performed similarly on their own essays where neither corrected many errors at all. (SRT)

Examines the effects of stressing three phases of the composing process (feedback, revision, and invention) in the teaching of composition. (HOD)

Reports on a study of teacher-student writing conferences which finds that conferences have an effect on the revision process; and the divergent backgrounds students bring to instructional events (in terms of writing ability, writing experience, or native language) have a structuring effect that cannot be dismissed solely as teacher bias or…

Provides an overview of a study of the relationship between classroom context and the revisions of student writers. Indicates that students focus their revisions on surface and stylistic concerns. Suggests how specific features of the classroom context, including teaching methods, may influence the kinds of revisions undertaken by student writers.…

Assesses the effects of the introduction of a computer into the writing program of a first and second grade classroom on cooperation and collaboration among the students. Results show that collaborative work at the computer created a new social organization that affected interactional patterns. (SRT)