The Psychology of Written Composition. The Psychology of Education and Instruction Series

First Published in 1987. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company. Aimed both at readers interested in cognition and/or writing and at instructional psychologists, this book explores the notion that various writing strategies involve different kinds of thinking, which ultimately affect the written product. The first part presents concepts central to the writing process, including two models of this process, an integrative schema for studying it, and a discussion of the transition from conversation to composition. The second section addresses the basic cognitive factors in composition, including the role of production factors in writing ability, the information processing load of composition, and how children cope with the processing demands of coordinating ideas in writing. The third section presents perspectives on the composing strategies of immature writers, including knowledge telling and the problem of "inert knowledge," the development of planning in writing, and links between composing and comprehending strategies. The fourth section discusses factors involved in promoting the development of mature composing strategies, including fostering (1) self-regulation; (2) evaluative, diagnostic, and remedial capabilities; (3) reflective processes; and (4) children's insight into their own cognitive processes. The concluding section addresses the psychological and educational implications of "knowledge-telling" and knowledge-transforming differences. (JD) First Published in 1987. Part of a series on the psychology of education and instruction, this volume marks a highpoint in the development on writing from a cognitive perspective. It significantly expands the data base upon which our understanding of writing rests. the book presents an original theory, or at any rate, the beginnings of a theory of writing and the development of writing skills, emphasizing the control processes in writing. xxi, 389 p. : 24 cm Bibliography: p. 365-380 Includes index