Describes problem definition in academic writing as existing on a continuum, with literary interpretation near one end and scientific writing near the other. Examines the consequences of this for undergraduate literature and composition assignments. (SRT)

Discusses the advantages of a microcomputer program that provides exercises for writing practice at the elementary French level at Vanderbilt University. A "computerized workbook" was developed to provide further written practice and to accompany the textbook. The text and results of a questionnaire administered after the computer-based…

Describes a method for involving disabled readers with Shakespeare texts by means of reading aloud, writing, and workshops. (HTH)

Presents a descriptive exercise, also useful for technical writing, that provides a real reader and a strong sense of the nature of descriptive writing. Students are given sketches of an art piece that they must describe for a museum for identification. (HTH)

Group creative writing activities encourage foreign language students to participate on various levels as thinkers, writers, readers, and critics. Students stimulate, correct, and give feedback to each other about writing skills. (CB)

Examines a number of language activities in educational software, noting that most focus on surface structure and conventions, thus closing off students' options rather than expanding them. Discusses how, by improvising with word processors, teachers can tailor activities to help students explore and reflect on their reading and writing…

Describes a technical writing assignment designed to teach (1) audience awareness, (2) strategies for analytical problem solving, (3) an understanding of the patterns of organization that make the information clear to the intended audience, and (4) a mastery of the editing skills needed to make writing correct and concise. (SRT)

Examines one element of rhetorical history--the sorts of subjects teachers have assigned students and their change from objective, centripetal writing tasks to subjective, centrifugal tasks. Documents the historical evolution of rhetorical tradition. (AEW)

Describes an exercise in which journalism students were given living journalists to research and write about. (FL)

Evaluates the effects of exercise on simple cognitive performance and on psychological well-being in persons over 50 years of age. It also assesses the relationship between a set of subject variables and dropout from fitness programs. Results suggest that the beneficial effects of exercise may extend to cognitive and personality processes.…

Recounts observations of a second grader's writing processes and concludes that students' enjoyment of writing should be cultivated. (DF)

Describes the kinds of difficulties experienced by less able writers and how content area teachers can help these writers produce better expository text. Provides writing activities that shift the writer's attention from language forms to language content. (SRT)

Describes a journalism writing assignment in which students compile a specialized style manual with computer and business terms. (HTH)

Recommends having students keep a reading journal on reading assignments as a way of getting them involved in reading, thinking, and discussion. (EL)

Describes: (1) a nutrition education game for students in grades 3-5; (2) a nutrition recipe content for seniors; (3) a nutrition and exercise awareness program for college students; and (4) bibliographies (called pathfinders) designed to give guidance during the initial stages of a search for information/resources on a particular topic. (JN)