As universities seek to provide cost-effective, cross-cultural experiences using global virtual (GV) teams, the "soft" communication skills typical of all teams, increases in importance for GV teams. Students need to be taught how to navigate through cultural issues and virtual tool issues to build strong trusting relationships with…

We report a randomized trial of a revised Behavioral Family Systems Therapy for Diabetes (BFST-D) intervention. Families of 104 adolescents with diabetes were randomized to standard care (SC) or to 6 months of an educational support group (ES) or BFST-D. Family communication and problem-solving skills were assessed at 0, 6, 12, and 18 months by…

This study examined the conversational engagement techniques employed by children with and without learning disabilities in dyadic interactions. Analysis indicated that the 60 learning-disabled subjects (9-13 years old) employed engagement-related techniques as sophisticated as those of their nondisabled peers, though they did so less consistently…

The study investigated the conversational participation of eight language-impaired children (ages 6-8) in interactions with normal language peers. No significant differences were found between impaired and normal children in number and proportion of topics maintained, topics introduced, or topics shaded. A familiarity effect in Session 2 was also…

The paper describes the "Early Social Communication Scales" designed to assess social and communication skills typically acquired in the first 30 months of life. Stressed is the role of the tester as an interactive partner for the infant. Reliability data suggesting reliability over time with the same partner are presented. (Author/DB)

The study was designed to assess the impact of a structured communications skills workshop of self-referred clients who expressed problems in feeling uncomfortable, awkward, or isolated in their relationships with others. (Author)

Presents a conceptual and operational definition of one cognitive dimension of communicative competence--interaction involvement--based on Goffman's model of face-to-face society. Reports two studies to support the validity of the definition. Outlines the implications for future research on communicative competence as well as instructional…

Addresses the importance of teaching students with hearing impairments zero-order pragmatic-language competencies (PLCs), those communicative and interactive behaviors necessary in everyday social situations to avoid being seen as deviant. Among PLCs are taking turns, initiating or adding to a conversation, and making repairs when necessary. Many…

This concept is viewed as a core dimension of counseling and also of practice interview training, where students can be taught to eliminate distracting mannerisms. Interview training can be more meaningful if instructors' comments are prompt and constructive. (Author/PC)

The study evaluated the communicative abilities of 30 learning disabled and 30 nondisabled children (ages 9-13 years) in two communication tasks. The study also attempted to investigate the relationships among factors believed to influence such abilities and to identify subgroups of disabled children based on profiles derived from the following…

Although most information exchanged in an initial interaction is superficial, relationships often develop or terminate depending on the evaluations made during the first three to four minutes of a conversation. In order to investigate the content and process levels of the information exchanged during the initial interactions, 90 subjects watched…

Presents an overview of how the computerized group analysis technique using PRONANA5 is aiding group communication instruction at the University of Oklahoma. (JMF)

This study examined the ability of six children with specific language impairment (SLI), ages 8 to 12, to particpate in a negotiation sequence with two same-age peers in triadic interactions. Children with SLI produced significantly fewer negotiation strategies and used developmentally lower level strategies than peers. The coding system is…

Caring can be shown by simply being with the other person, accepting all of that person as he or she is at that moment. To be with another may not call for any talking upon your part; perhaps it is much better not to talk. (Author)