Pointing out the relationship between the writing process and business communications should help business students understand the necessity of communicating clearly and efficiently. Students should first learn that adequate preparation before using non-print communications devices--such as telephones--is as necessary as prewriting is before…

Noting that computer instruction for teaching composition is generally limited to the component skills of spelling, punctuation, and grammar, this paper proposes a program that can help elementary school students use computers to generate ideas for descriptive writing. The first section of the paper provides orientation procedures designed to…

Research on the composing process conducted from 1946 until the present is summarized in this paper. Concentratinq on research dealing with the process of writing, the paper does not include studies of written products, language development, or the effects of instruction. The research is arranged in chronological order from the earliest to the…

This special journal issue focuses on writing in the elementary school. Topics discussed in the various articles include (1) a technique for teaching persuasive composition, (2) writing in the second and third grades, (3) correlating writing assignments with the study of literature, (4) a problem solving approach to composition, (5) the Virginia…

Research in secondary school composition instruction indicates that (1) emphasis on writing for the teacher-as-examiner is prevalent, (2) prewriting activities are limited, (3) there is little discussion of approaches to the topic or what information should be included, and (4) activities to help students while they are writing are almost…

It is often difficult for students in public relations writing courses to understand precisely how their various writing assignments are being evaluated. It is important, therefore, for teachers of these courses to develop a systematic method of evaluating all writing assignments. One method of doing this is to concentrate on elements common to…

Proposes tools and methods for teachers and students to use in the classroom to organize and stimulate ideas, imagination, memory, improvisation, and writing. Sample outlines and grids serve as methods for helping learners understand specific concepts. (MSE)

Lists 10 ways to involve students in the teacher's writing that can be beneficial to both teachers and their students. (MS)

Appraises the computer as a prewriting aid. Evaluates both the quality and quantity of ideas produced by various invention techniques and programs, and compares results of similar studies by Hugh Burns and Helen Schwartz. (NKA)

Uses ideas from speech act theory to show students how to become "co-communicants" with their readers. (DF)

Describes and laments over the problems of working writing centers on college campuses, including misinformed students and faculty, the lack of adequate facilities, and the lack of professional respect. (CRH)

Presents results of an informal study indicating that (1) external contingencies that force writing productivity regardless of mood seem to facilitate rather than impede the appearance of creative ideas for writing, and (2) productivity precedes creativity. (HTH)

Contributors offer a writing activity that can help students sharpen their awareness of how authors structure stories, and a scale that can serve as a guide to content area teachers for textbook selection. (HOD)

Suggests that students can improve the quality of their persuasive essays when the issue is first argued in the classroom. Discusses invention techniques and methods for students to conduct their own research surveys for support of their theses. (HTH)

Notes that flowcharting can be used to help college developmental writing students to think through the logical steps involved in writing. (FL)