Calls for a redefinition of literacy and basics. Acknowledges the expanded classroom and the fact that new partnerships must be established with those who teach beyond the campuses. Educators must acknowledge the communications revolution and help students become more sophisticated as communicators. (JMF)

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…

Current conceptualizations of the construct of "communication competence" are examined in this paper and are found to be problematic. The paper argues that "communication competence" must be distinguished from "communication performance" and sees neither as a reliable predictor of the other. The paper suggests that both research and pedagogy must…

One of the major problems facing the profession of speech communication is the need for an increased concern with teaching the "basics" involved in listening carefully and speaking clearly and with vigor. Speech communication educators must take great care in defining the basics of discourse; they should teach the mechanics of grammar and syntax…

All content areas utilize the four basic skills--reading, writing, arithmetic, and oral communication. Children's literature can be used to teach these skills for four reasons: (1) there is a children's book for every concept to be taught; (2) children enjoy reading; (3) children's literature can be used to teach content, process, values, and…

As a result of an influx of foreign students, and an assessment of student attitudes toward communicating with foreign students, a survey of foreign students at South Dakota State University was conducted to determine their needs in and problems with the basic speech course. Sixty-six surveys were returned. The results indicated that by far the…

A study examined the effect on grades and dropout rates of students' videotaping their first speech in a basic speech course. Subjects, 224 students at a northwest college, were tested for communication and for speech apprehension using McCroskey's Personal Report of Communication Apprehension. All students were offered an opportunity to videotape…

As part of a study of basic skills of secondary education students, a study was conducted at Pennsylvania State University of the speaking ability of 43 prospective secondary level teachers. A rating instrument was developed based on a list of criteria considered important to teachers by speech communication experts and teacher educators alike.…

A community college basic speech instructor found that having students read public service announcements (PSAs) from various nonprofit organizations is a novel and beneficial way for them to experience the oral reading phase of the introductory speech course. Students chose one of three PSAs to read on the college radio station. The readings were…

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…

In the United Kingdom at present, there is a rift between leading authorities who stress the use of oral language in helping children learn to read and those who focus directly on the teaching of reading and writing. This paper identifies five phases in educational development from 1870 to the present; for each phase, indication is given of the…

An overview of the assessment of the basic skills of prospective secondary level education students at Pennsylvania State University is provided in this paper. Assessment in the areas of reading, writing, and speaking was conducted as a response to public criticism of teachers' skills and as a means of meeting a competency requirement in the…

To improve speech communication education at the secondary school level, high school and college teachers must focus attention on speaking and listening content and on research having direct applications to speech instruction. Three approaches to curriculum planning have weakened secondary school level speech programs: the popularization of…