To show how these unconscious assumptions come into play and to explain their effects, Skorczewski looks at a series of key "moments" in the life of a writing class. She examines what it means to enter a classroom and take on the role of a teacher; the challenge of leading a discussion; the art of designing effective writing assignments; the difficulties involved in evaluating student writing; the negotiation of issues of authority; and the pros and cons of self-revelation. In each case the author offers not only an analysis of the disruptions that characterize these pedagogical moments but also practical advice for dealing with them. Although informed by theory, the emphasis throughout is on real issues faced by real teachers in their writing courses.