Teaching reading and writing as modes of learning in college: A glance at the past; a view to the future

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the history of teaching reading and writing as modes of learning in college. It attempts to trace important landmarks in education and research, from the turn of the century to the present time, which promoted the integration of reading and writing for learning and its impact on college teaching. Because the history of reading and writing to learn is complex and multidisciplinary, this article draws upon historical work in writing across the curriculum, reading and writing instruction in schools, college reading, content area reading, and reading research. The article concludes with a discussion about the role college reading and writing teachers may play in promoting reading and writing to learn in the future.