Provides specific behavioral objectives focusing on a dramatic analysis of the literature which allows the oral interpreter enough flexibility for a range of performances based on a text. (MH)

Describes systematic desensitization as a form of behavior therapy for reducing anxiety. Examines its rationale and clinical practice and explores two features of the technique (relaxation and anxiety hierarchy) as they may be applied to classroom speech instruction for reticent students. (JMF)

Suggests a program for teaching students with communication problems. Outlines in-class strategies supportive of a positive interpersonal climate and a sense of orderly purpose. Uses written dialogues between teacher and student and individual conferences. (JMF)

This paper describes a course conducted at Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, during 1971-73 which was designed to fill the speech communication needs of vocationally oriented students or "technologists" preparing to work in Indiana industries. Most of the students had completed a basic speech course; thus the approach, behavioral objectives,…

Suggests that small group researchers investigate message variables as a method of communication analysis. Provides examples of research-based behavioral objectives for small group communication classes. (MH)

After participating in a public speaking situation that allowed collection of self-report, physiological, and behavioral manifestations of anxiety, 67 subjects were randomly assigned to either desensitization, "T scope" therapy, or no treatment. Desensitization reduced public speaking anxiety in both contexts, whereas the placebo was effective…

Outlines the criteria which integrated strategies of reticence management must satisfy to be effective and to justify inclusion in a communication curriculum. Describes specific activities aimed at different categories of reticent students. (JMF)

Examines children's compliance to directives given by their peers, with particular interest in children's success with directives. Examines the roles of status, directive form, and politeness cues. Outlines four instructional objectives for teaching children to develop effective controlling strategies. (JMF)

Suggests two means of humanizing objectives and examines the cognitive and affective responses of students to behavioral objectives for a unit of instruction in a basic speech communication course. (MH)

Presents a rationale for using a Mastery Learning approach to competency-based education in public speaking. Identifies assumptions and applications of such an approach and describes procedures for teaching public speaking competence on this basis. (JMF)

This paper outlines a speech communication unit that reflects the assumptions of competency-based education. The emphasis of the unit's content is on using knowledge rather than on how the knowledge is acquired. Students are required to participate in the decision-making processes of the unit to get them actively involved in their own learning and…

The course approach reported in this document provides an alternative method of attaining the departmentally-accepted general course goals for basic speech communication. This approach begins with the identification of the student's core communication competencies which, divided into component concepts and subskills, are stated as behavioral…

Describes a special option to the required speech performance course at the Pennsylvania State University. This alternative is designed for students who have communication problems with class participation, basic social contacts, or formal performances. (JMF)

Characterizes several types of quiet children and their communication problems. Offers suggestions for classroom teachers on ways to help and avoid hurting these students. (JMF)

Mastery learning is a systematic approach to instruction in which students are required to attain specified levels of competence. This paper provides a rationale for using mastery learning in the introductory public speaking course and clarifies the differences between traditional and mastery learning approaches by contrasting their assumptions…