Successful transition to work is important for all young people and crucial for those with poor basic skills. Research suggests that speaking and listening skills--an aspect of basic skills often overlooked--are particularly important at work. The message from employers can hardly be clearer--good speaking and listening skills matter at work. How…

This paper presents examples of rubrics that can be used in the assessment of the acquisition of generic skills in accounting education. A rubric is a matrix containing the various factors of an assignment along one dimension (rows) and descriptors of the qualitative levels of accomplishment along the other dimension (columns). A rubric can…

A model basic speech communication course is described in this paper, along with guidelines for developing and maintaining a cognitive-basic skills approach to such a course. The course outline describes the university environment where the course is taught; the structure of the department offering the course; the philosophy and course objectives;…

A model basic speech communication course is described in this paper, along with guidelines for developing and maintaining an individualized approach to the basic course. The course outline describes the university environment where the course is taught; the structure of the department offering the course; the philosophy and course objectives; the…

A two-month experience at a major television station produced five basic recommendations for broadcast educators interested in developing a relevant broadcast curriculum. (PD)

Discusses communication games and activities which can be used to teach speaking and listening skills. Proposes and applies a set of criteria for evaluating such curriculum materials. Examines communication games used in referential communication research and suggests their inclusion in the curriculum. (JMF)

Focuses on the role of the state speech association in improving the teaching of oral communication skills in the K-12 curriculum. Describes the cooperative projects developed by the Illinois Speech and Theatre Association, with the Illinois State Board of Education, as an example of how state associations can become involved. (PD)

Describes the work of the Speech Communication Association Task Force on Minimal Speaking and Listening Competencies for High School Graduates and provides recommended minimal speaking and listening competencies and implications for further curriculum development and research. (JMF)

A laboratory approach to instruction is employed in the basic speech communication course at a southern university. Approximately one-third of the semester is spent on public speaking and performance assignments, while the remainder of the course focuses on interpersonal communication. During the oral performance part of the course, half of the…

A program of basic skills instruction combining English, mathematics, and oral communications was initiated in a community college to promote mastery of these skills in students functioning at a level equivalent to less than grade six on an English placement test. A group of 38 students were enrolled in three separate classes in English, oral…

To alleviate problems with course content, procedure, and philosophy identified by basic communication skills students and faculty, the University of Oklahoma developed a computer assisted Student Assessment Center (SAC) as a basic communication course adjunct. The SAC allows students from all sections of the course to take each of the four unit…

Acknowledging that one of the most difficult challenges postsecondary educators must face is the maintenance of adequate student enrollment, this paper describes the creation of a speech communication laboratory as one component of a university-wide effort to maximize student retention. The paper first discusses several suggestions researchers…