Noting that speech communication educators have developed a unique interpretation of the nature and role of self-disclosure in interpersonal communication--that it is essential in enhancing interpersonal relations and in bringing about improved mental adjustment--this paper contends that such an approach to communication overemphasizes the…

SYMLOG, a method for capturing group members' perceptions of their interactions, is a useful research methodology which can also be used to teach group competencies. Drawing from social psychology, management, and communication disciplines, researchers using SYMLOG have captured issues of leadership, cohesion, and group processes over time. Using…

In a self-directed student group, learning activities are controlled and directed by the students themselves. This approach to learning was investigated at Hope College to: (1) explore the amount and patterns of interaction observable in small self-directed groups, (2) assess conditions and events in group interaction which enhance or inhibit…

This study found that professors (n=76) ask on average about 25 questions each class hour, the majority of which are higher-level questions. They pause about 2.25 seconds after questions and 0.45 seconds after student responses. Professors teaching education classes differed little from professors teaching noneducation classes. (Author/DB)

This report focuses on pedgagogical technique within the context of the rapid expansion and demographic changes in college and university enrollments and how, coupled with budgetary entrenchment, these forces have left institutions of higher education dedicated to providing quality education in a state of crisis. Teaching is seen to be the key…

In fall 1994, students in an interdisciplinary Gender Issues course undertook a project to examine gender and communication patterns through analyses of their own videotaped conversations and to relate their conclusions to findings in the literature. Students read two articles on the distribution of home responsibilities between professionally…

Noting that teachers' nonverbal behaviors are frequently inconsistent with their verbal messages, a situation that detracts from student learning, this paper offers an activity for focusing prospective teachers' attentions on the frequency and impact of discrepant verbal-nonverbal messages occurring in the classroom. The step-by-step process is…

A study investigated how oral discourse affects the communicative process of teaching and learning and how that process influences and is influenced by the goals and expectations of college instructors and college students. Three college classes were observed for one semester. Data were collected in the form of field notes, cassette tapes of…

A description is given of a course for secondary education majors that is required in the sophomore year. The course combines techniques from microteaching and interaction analysis. A period of clinical experience is included, offering an opportunity for students to observe secondary teachers while acting as teacher aides. They thus became…

The effects of faculty training in sex equitable and effective interaction skills were assessed. Twenty-three professors participated in a two and one-half day training workshop that focused on (1) the elimination of sex-biased teacher-student interactions in the classroom; and (2) the distribution, precision, and quality of teacher responses to…

College Classroom Vignettes, a videotape technique used to motivate teachers to change classroom behavior, is discussed. This new application of videotape was undertaken at Northwestern University's Center for the Teaching Professions with funding from the Danforth Foundation. College Classroom Vignettes are videotape records of actual classroom…

This two-volume set offers 16 narrative case studies and a facilitator's guide. Cases were written by teachers about their personal experiences with teaching and groupwork, especially the problematic situations and dilemmas they faced. Groupwork is a well-documented and highly recommended strategy for enhancing students' academic, cognitive,…

Nonverbal teacher behavior is recognized as an important factor in establishing a positive social climate in the classroom. A feedback and analysis instrument is presented focusing on specific nonverbal teacher behaviors. These behaviors--facial expressions, gestures, body movements, and idiosyncratic characteristics--are categorized as either…

This study investigated the extent of student interaction in undergraduate classrooms and the relationship between instructor techniques and interaction, as well as differences in interactions experienced by freshmen compared to those of juniors and seniors (upperclassmen). Survey questionnaires were completed by 36 instructors, 226 freshmen, and…

This resource manual presents guidelines and effective techniques for people who want to acquire group facilitation skills. It is a valuable resource for anyone planning or presenting a workshop; trainers or teachers interested in innovative classroom techniques; and anyone involved in a group as leader, facilitator, or participant. The manual…