Learning a language in a formal context is not the same as learning a language in a natural setting, in that the goal of one of the participants in the communicative events that occur in the classroom, the teacher, is to teach a language. For this reason, the majority of the actions undertaken by the participants are directed at achieving that…

This paper discusses facilitating student collegiality within diverse student groups. It argues that diverse student groups of international, domestic, mature age and Gen Y students often have similar difficulties and strengths although they may occur for quite different reasons and understanding this is useful when deciding on teaching and…

Tells how using a hand puppet in classroom interactions helped a quiet and inhibited little girl develop skills and spontaneity in written and oral communication. (GT)

This paper presents an overview of American Indian students' learning styles, world views, and communication styles, with implications for classroom techniques and teaching styles. Research has shown that American Indian and African American students are primarily right-brained in learning styles, while Anglo and Asian students are primarily…

This paper presents a rationale and a conceptual framework for a wider research project dealing with mathematical communication, and in particular with actions performed by interlocutors whenever they wish to clarify their use of a symbol, a word or an expression. The aim of such actions is often to repair a communicational breach resulting from…

This report describes a classroom communication training program for foreign teaching assistants (FTAs) developed at the University of Minnesota in response to evidence that the FTAs were the subject of criticism and complaints because of poor communication abilities in their classes. The first two sections of the paper discuss the background to…

A discussion of misunderstandings occurring in the college classroom looks at the common sources of misconceptions and offers three ways to diagnose and address them: (1) asking students to think aloud as they solve problems; (2) having students teach course topics; and (3) reviewing students' notes with them. (MSE)

Describes an online college course and student perceptions of the virtual-classroom experience. Students appreciated course flexibility and convenience and found it conducive to thoughtful analysis of class questions and commentary. However, they felt isolated from peers and instructor, and lack of face-to-face interaction hindered communication.…

Describes communication difficulties of students with unspecified learning difficulties affecting their ability to access education through spoken and written language. Describes a collaborative project between the school, the special needs teaching service, and the University of Leicester which aims to clarify such pupil problems and evaluate…

A program has been developed at Gallaudet College (District of Columbia) which provides a B.A. degree and regular teacher certification for hearing impaired or deaf students. The focus is exclusively on "regular" education, and its expressed intent is to prepare hearing impaired preservice teachers for full certification in regular…

Offers reasons and suggestions for involving Asian immigrant college students in classroom talk (by initiating informal conversations, involving more students in discussions, and structuring small-group communication). Cautions against pressuring them to adopt American speech habits that may threaten their Asian-language identities. Includes…

To help international teaching assistants balance their roles as teacher and graduate student, the University of Cincinnati developed a program in classroom communication skills for this population. It begins with naming and social identity but focuses primarily on communication for participative learning. Interacting with academic advisors is…