Examines advantages, disadvantages, and preliminary assessments of the training model and the consulting/training (CONTRA) model approaches to providing oral communication instruction in Oral Communication across the Curriculum programs. Recommends the CONTRA model. (SR)

Woolbert is a seminal figure in the development of the contemporary speech field as a strong and independent discipline. This article examines his role as a transitional figure between the elocutionists and contemporary theorists. (PD)

Presents a course syllabus which incorporates recent research findings indicating that students that suffer from communication apprehension may be treated in a regular oral communication course with no detrimental side effects to the rest of the class. Claims that, in general, an immediate atmosphere of support and encouragement must be developed.…

Considers the problem of insuring that students acquire thoughtfulness, knowledge, and wisdom, as well as the skills and techniques of eloquent expression, in interpersonal and public communication. Examines historical roots of this problem in classical rhetorical theory; contemporary problems of the discipline; and needed areas of research and…

Noting that the bulk of intercultural teaching and research has taken the culture-general approach to the exclusion of a culture-specific focus, this paper (1) argues that the distinction between the two approaches is artificial and unnecessary, and (2) develops a framework for intercultural communication that incorporates a culture-specific focus…

Identifies the purpose and scope of the 1986 "Communication Quarterly" Educational Supplement. Notes that 14 of the 17 articles included are devoted to an analysis of the "Great Teachers in the Speech Communication Classroom." Indicates that the last three articles treat aspects of the role of research in communication education. (JD)

For those researchers who are also concerned with the quality of their teaching, this article describes a procedure for incorporating students as part of a research team and illustrates this procedure with a study designed to analyze conflict in interpersonal relationships. (PD)

A study investigated the relationship between students' communication apprehension levels and their attitudes toward the use of video recording in a basic speech course. A communication apprehension measure and a questionnaire on perceptions of videotape use in class were completed by 230 undergraduate basic speech students. The findings…

This paper examines the impact of traditional and accelerated public speaking instruction on undergraduate-level students' self-perceptions of communication apprehension and self-esteem. Subjects, students at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs were enrolled in the same semester in either a 16-week traditional public speaking course…

The "process option" approach for speech students should be expanded through the development of a learning context in which (1) topic development replaces last minute subject selection through the spoken equivalent of freewriting, (2) the revision process of writing occurs in preparation for delivered speeches, (3) student/teacher…

Categorizes and synthesizes 186 empirical studies published from 1974-1982 in the areas of teacher characteristics, student characteristics, teaching strategies, speech criticism, student evaluation, speech communication content and programs. (PD)

Prepared as part of a series applying recent research in oral and written communication instruction to classroom practice, this booklet presents a holistic view of learning focused on the development of oral communication. The first section of the booklet provides a rationale for increasing oral communication skills instruction, and discusses the…

The results of five studies of the relationship between debate training and critical thinking were examined to determine if in fact debate training improves critical thinking skills. All five studies compared the gains on the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test (WG) for subjects who had received debate training with control groups who…

Cites bibliographies, books, and reviews of books on communication and works on technical communication theory and instruction. (HTH)

One hundred thirty-eight college communication departments responded to a survey to assess the status of intercultural communication instruction. The questionnaire was designed to identify the demographic characteristics of institutions that offer introductory courses in intercultural communication, the type of students taking such courses, class…