[independentmind]

Gaidosch said students could acquire academic skills from his manuals in two weeks.

I seriously doubt this. Looking back at my high school education, I am very grateful for the strong emphasis on writing and the number of required English classes. Writing is an acquired skill, and will go rusty if not practiced frequently. Here are my suggestions:

1) a thorough knowledge of grammar-- It may be boring, but it is essential. (amd I fully acknowledge that I continue to make a few errors here.)

2) a love of reading--You cannot write well, if you don't read. Habits that discourage reading, like listening to some kinds of music and watching too much television, should be discouraged.

3) regular writing assignments in school--and graded by the kind of teachers I had. Nothing like red all over a paper to highlight errors.

The above may not produce a Shakespeare, but should provide most college students with the basic writing skills they will need in the future.

[Miss Marple]

Well, judging from of the students my daughter has met, a few hiints might help some of them at least PASS the classes they are in:

1. ATTEND CLASS!
2. Listen to the lecture and take notes.
3. READ THE MATERIAL!
4. Exchange notes with others, and review together before exams.
5. Anticipate possible essay exam questions.

Many of the sstudents my daughter meets don't even follow these basic steps. They are wasting their time (and their parents' money).

[ladylib]

Teachers in England now mark papers in green ink. Red is too upsetting.