A survey of 80 department chairpersons, directors of forensics, and debate coaches indicated an increased use of nontraditional, audience-centered debate paradigms since the National Developmental Conference on Forensics issued its report advancing alternative debate options during the 1970s. Report recommendations on expanding the role of…

In order to make informed voting decisions citizens need background information on complex foreign policy issues facing the United States. This guide presents current issues and provides information to help citizens cast a thoughtful vote. The guide is divided into six main headings: Leadership; Security; Economic and Social Issues; Critical…

For ease of presentation, advanced grammar teaching techniques are briefly considered under the headings of structuralism (belief in the effectiveness of presenting grammar rules) and contextualism (belief in the maximum use by students of what they know in the target language). The structuralist's problem of establishing a syllabus is discussed…

This annotated guide to resources in speech communication will be valuable for K-12 teachers seeking resources for both required and elective units. Entries are organized by grade level within the various content areas and are grouped under the following section headings: print, nonprint, multimedia, and major sources. Within each of these four…

This revised curriculum guide was prepared to help speech teachers and administrators gain greater sensitivity to the importance of speech education in the curriculum and to provide a digest of the characteristics and instructional practices which could contribute to superior speech education programs. The topics of the first nine chapters are…

This annotated bibliography lists and discusses 28 books on forensics, debate, argumentation, discussion, and public speaking. The books cover various topics in oral communication for secondary and college level study. (CH)

The purpose of this monograph is to present a five step paradigm for the secondary school teacher on how to employ debate as a teaching tool: 1) basic idea of what debate is and the objective of formal debate; 2) the role of the affirmative and negative in presenting cases; 3) the function and purpose of the rebuttal period; 4) information on the…

Both sides of the divestment controversy are presented by two trustees from Carleton College and actions that Carleton finally took are explained. Morgan calls for divestment, while Trow sees colleges as committed to the pursuit of truth, not the possessor. (MLW)

Presents a method to teach science, technology, and society issues under an extra credit format. Describes a seven-stage format for the choice, debate, and evaluation of an issue by the students. Stresses the value of this project in terms of increased student skills and awareness. (CW)

Describes a four- to six-week minicourse featuring topics from language arts, law, history, sociology, mathematics, art, and woodworking in addition to botany, zoology, genetics, ecology, and evolution. Student study is divided into five phases: tree-ring analysis; forest history; seedling competition; genetic improvement and cloning; and a…

Reviews the role of logic in the laboratory, group work in science, the role of history and philosophy in school science education, brainstorming in the classroom to invent a model, and the scientific debate. (JN)

Describes programs sponsored by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) to promote civic participation. The programs are National Issues Forums (NIF) in the Classroom; Jefferson Meetings; Great Decisions; Public Issues Series; and C-SPAN in the Classroom. (SLM)

Discusses historian Henry Adams' disillusionment with the educational system and with his own teaching. Suggests improving history instruction by involving students more actively in learning. Proposes incorporating interactive learning strategies including (1) interactive lectures; (2) questioning; (3) small groups; (4) critical thinking and…

Describes how two Queensborough Community College reading faculty staged a debate for developmental students to illustrate the connections between reading, writing, and critical thinking; and to encourage students to critically question and evaluate what they read and hear. Details follow-up writing and group assignments, including a student…

Describes the use of debate in teaching a college level course on the psychology of women. Contends that the technique encouraged critical thinking, active learning, and cooperation. Provides suggestions for replicating the process in other courses. (CFR)