The concept of improving students' communication skills through writing in computer science courses has received renewed attention in the ACM/IEEE Computing Curriculum 2001 [1] as well in a recently featured column in the SIGCSE Bulletin [3]. While integrating writing into the computer science curriculum is not a new concept, it is a novel idea to many new faculty. This paper describes one instructor's first-time experiences in offering a computer science course with a strong writing component and encourages others to consider focusing more attention on writing instruction. Techniques used by the author to create clear assignments and simplify grading are described. An example of a paper assignment and grading rubric used in a second semester introductory programming course are provided. Examples of shorter writing assignments appropriate for the same course are also included.
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Linda H. Pesante.
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Mark Michael.
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2000,
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David G. Kay.
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