Argues that when the context supports sustained writing, both assigned and self-designed tasks can foster learning and commitment to writing. Reports on a case study of two graduate students in two universities. Finds that sustained writing, both of instructor- and self-designed tasks, can lead to positive intellectual and affective changes. (RS)

Describes a freshman composition course which employs problem-solving exercises as a writing improvement technique. Notes that sharing ideas while solving problems builds new writers' openness and trust, whereas thinking aloud prepares students to benefit from other writers' thinking protocol methods. Suggests that brainstorming can help students…

Describes a personal finance course which uses special assignments designed to improve oral and written communication skills. Discusses assignments such as journal writing, letter writing, discussions with guest speakers, researching major household purchases, and managing a personal investment portfolio. (RS)

Describes how to enhance the benefits of using the Carmen Sandiego educational software programs by building in generous amounts of creative fun and writing activities. Discusses journal writing, character sketches, letter writing, writing a book, and report writing. (RS)

Describes the collaboration between two teachers, involving six eighth grade and two ninth grade English classes, to present a unit reflecting the needs, hopes, and potential of the handicapped. Explains how volunteerism was incorporated into the classroom. Describes preparation, traveling to the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament, class…

Addresses advantages and disadvantages of routinely assigning textbook questions. Offers four approaches for making these assignments more meaningful, less frustrating and more enjoyable for students, including use of clustered questions, peer teaching, cooperative work groups, and assignment mentors. Provides guidelines for effective use of…

Reports a study of teachers' and writers' interpretations of scenario assignments. Finds that, among the three groups tested (graduate students trained to teach rhetoric, academically successful undergraduate students trained as tutors, and entering freshmen) experienced writers' interpretations adhered most closely to the interpretive community's…

Suggests a first writing assignment--an ungraded "practice" memo assignment--for the business writing class, which promotes good will between teacher and students, and offers the opportunity for class discussion on principles of business communication and business writing. (SR)

Suggests that sometimes making assignments "vague" places the burden of decision making and problem solving on students, requires that students invent and pursue their own questions, and demands that they practice independent thinking. (MS)

Encouraging students' use of satire, irony, and parody in college writing assignments is recommended to help students voice their concerns, think critically, and discover how a form of discourse contributes to both form and substance of the writing. Samples of student work illustrating the effectiveness of this approach are offered. (MSE)

Describes a course on hypermedia issues in education offered in the Graduate School of Education at the State University of New York at Buffalo. The general design and philosophy of the class are discussed; course requirements and grading are explained; and supporting materials, required texts, and suggested readings are listed. (LRW)

Describes a study of an Open University Business School course that investigated the number of assignments submitted to tutors by the cut-off date, the numbers submitted late with and without permission, and reasons for late submission. Implications for tutor training, student support, and management education are discussed. (LRW)

Creative ways to motivate students to read and report on books include having them retell the stories differently, invent products related to the stories, share snacks like those the characters ate, illustrate action from the story, write imaginary conversations between themselves and the characters, and turn the stories into short skits. (SM)

Describes a strategy called RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) used to promote comprehension in content area classrooms. (SR)

Discusses the experiences of a poetry writing teacher who teaches poetry to second-grade through high school physically challenged children using art as inspiration. Includes numerous examples of students' poetry, which demonstrate the depth, variety, complexity, and originality that art can bring out. (RS)