In one approach to French second-language instruction, students use free writing assignments to express themselves in their newly learned second language. The primary objective is to encourage students to use the language in a nonthreatening context; it also offers the teacher insights into student problems and needs. (MSE)

Describes a study of the relationship between the ability to write about mathematical concepts and the mathematical achievement of 70 developmental mathematics students at Georgia State University. Subjects used writing exercises as an adjunct to traditional instructional methods. Students who could write about the concepts were able to use them…

Offers six prompts to use in teaching creative writing at the high school level. Explains how the prompts are used in the classroom. (MG)

Although classroom assessment techniques resemble common writing exercises, they offer college composition instructors insight into effective instruction. Their use can also lead to classroom research projects and further faculty development. An example of such an exercise is to have students write a one-minute paper on classroom instruction in…

Shares results of a predrafting activity for tenth grade composition students centered on the concept of the common good. Asks students to generate questions for an interview with a state representative and his opponent in the November 1988 election in preparation for writing essays. (MG)

Describes a pilot project conducted at Queensborough Community College which involved teaching summarization skills to students in a required, no-credit reading course. Concludes that summarizing is a viable strategy for improving reading comprehension and recall, while acknowledging the difficulties encountered by both the students and their…

Describes how "The Sleeper" was used with third and fourth grade students to inspire them to use a variety of verbs. Shares several examples of poems the students wrote after discussing Whitman's poem. (MG)

Many active athletes do not consume enough zinc or iron, which are important for oxygen activation, electron transport, and injury healing. Subclinical deficiencies may impair performance and impair healing times. People who exercise regularly need counseling about the importance of adequate dietary intake of iron and zinc. (SM)

Reviews studies related to physical exercise with people with severe and profound developmental disabilities and comments on the main findings and on the practicality and acceptability of physical exercise. The use of technical instruments combined with reinforcing events to ensure mild physical exercise is discussed. (Author/CR)

Identifies factors associated with exercise participation and adherence in a sample of sedentary, functionally limited, community-dwelling adults ages 60 to 94 who participated in a home-based resistance training program (N=102). Results show that psychological factors were most important to adherence to the home-based program. (Author/MKA)

Provides a session-by-session description of "Free to Be Me," a 12-week psychoeducational group for overweight clients combining education, nutritional counseling, and moderate exercise. Goals include improved fitness, enhanced self-concept, and weight stabilization. Group exercises, guided visualizations, and case examples are included.…

Describes the college-level use of written reading reactions structured assignments requiring students to describe and react in writing to assigned reading, followed by classroom discussion in which all students must select and share ideas. The method is found to encourage on-time reading of assignments, broader student participation, higher…

Provides an integrative review of the literature on the relationship between physical exercise and three psychological variables (depression, anxiety, and self-esteem). Proposes guidelines for using exercise as a counseling intervention, and makes suggestions for evaluating exercise interventions. (Author/GCP)

Describes a writing assignment which allows students to exercise creativity communicating set facts while utilizing narrative techniques covered in class (sentence variety, dominant impressions, narrative action, detailing, etc.), and in which peers judge how effectively and consistently the information was communicated, illuminating the…

Addresses the need for continued assessment of course content and instructional methods employed within physical education teacher education programs to deliver theoretical and applied information from the foundational subdiscipline of exercise physiology, describing an innovative course at one university (Exercise for School-Aged Children) which…