Presents specific implications of writing research for teachers who work with gifted youngsters in elementary school writing. Supports the use of derived plot patterns and point of view as two types of literature-based writing assignments that work especially well with gifted students. (MS)

Recommends the use of a fictitious term paper with stringent format requirements, but without content, to enable students to concentrate on format. Emphasizes that the assignment gives students an opportunity to experience school as play. (MS)

This article discusses the limitations of 14 randomized controlled trials of exercise rehabilitation for patients who sustained myocardial infarction. The difficulty of sampling patients and controlling the sample size is discussed and the benefits of pooled statistical evidence are considered. (JL)

Describes how a "strip story" activity (reassembling a text from strips of paper containing the text's sentences) develops reciprocity, the interaction between reading and writing as the reader negotiates a text and the writer assists the process. (MM)

Three studies assessing the Eating and Exercise Behavior Questionnaire indicated that it is reliable and useful in studying the eating patterns of the obese, differences in behavioral cue responses to eating, and multiple and single session weight loss training effectiveness.The research utility of the instrument is discussed. (CB)

Skiing is a rewarding form of exercise for the disabled, including amputees, the blind and deaf, parapalegics, and those with neuromuscular disorders and spinal cord injuries. The article discusses equipment adaptation for the disabled, as well as training techniques for and special considerations in instructing handicapped skiers. (JL)

A study of eight diabetic adolescents with moderately well-controlled diabetes concludes that recreational activities are as effective in lowering blood glucose levels as structured exercise. This might allow diabetic adolescents to participate in a wider variety of sports activities. Research, methodology, and results are discussed. (Author/JL)

Plyometric exercises or drills combine speed and strength to produce an explosive-reactive movement or increased power. Some world-class athletes have used plyometric-training in sports such as high-jumping, hurdles, football, baseball, and hockey. The method is still considered experimental. Sample exercises are described. (JL)

Presents a memorandum report assignment involving the selection of magazines in students' major fields. (MS)

Presents an instructional unit, "Literary Lifeboat," a purposeful writing exercise in which students write character justifications for familiar stories. Describes the unit's implementation in a Year 5 class, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the exercise. (MM)

Presents an exercise for teachers which illustrates the limitations of workbook drills and rule study by teaching a brief hypothetical grammar text of five rules and exceptions, then employing those rules in standard drill exercises and a writing assignment. Claims that traditional pedagogies of formal grammar are not effective in improving…

Notes that revision strategies are seldom a part of the technical writer's education. Provides an outline, based on experience and an analysis by Hillocks, for a group project method for teaching the process of updating and revising documents. (ARH)

Presents ideas for having freshman composition students keep journals and write responses to class writing exercises, which are then published in a class newsletter. Discusses the benefits students receive from this practice. (SRT)

Claims that self-evaluation instruments strengthen students' ability to evaluate their own writing and improve writing instruction. Argues that self-evaluation exercises should (1) help students evaluate their writing, (2) demystify teachers' grades, (3) encourage students' awareness as writers, (4) require written responses from student, and (5)…

The study explored the frequency with which authors were cited in the most recent edition of "Therapeutic Exercise," an internationally recognized text in physical therapy. Citation trends across three editions were also used as an index of long-term professional influence. Implications for the physical therapy profession are discussed.…