Reviews the measurement of oral language in children, discussing methods for ensuring that diagnosis and treatment of language disorders include consideration of these measures and examining the ways in which treatment outcomes can ultimately inform diagnosis. The paper suggests that the functional receptive language skills of any student…

Investigated whether a background in science would make a difference in the oral interactions of elementary teachers in their science lessons. Observations of 50 British elementary science teachers and comparison of the oral discourse of teachers with and without significant science background indicated that those with a science background asked…

This article presents both the factors involved in successful speech input use and the potential barriers that may suggest that other access technologies could be more appropriate for a given individual. Speech input options that are available are reviewed and strategies for optimizing use of speech recognition technology are discussed. (Contains…

This article reviews research studies on the efficacy of cochlear implants for children's auditory communication skills, including speech perception, speech production, and language. It offers suggestions for building auditory skill development in children with cochlear implants. Four classic levels of auditory skill development (awareness,…

Examined interactions between limited English proficient students and their native English speaking science teachers, investigating the effect of teacher input on students' access to classroom speech events. Data from classroom discussions, observations, and interviews indicated that differentiation in students' opportunities to take turns varied…

Analyzes undergraduates' interpretations of a short story that presents a relatively balanced argument between a man and a woman. Finds both male and female students arrived at androcentric readings by solving text ambiguities in favor of the male character. Presents methods that encourage students to recognize and reevaluate their reading…

Spontaneous speech samples were collected from four three-year olds with surgically repaired cleft palates. Analyses showed that subjects were similar to one another with respect to their phonetic inventories but differed considerably in the frequency and types of phonological processes used. (Author/JDD)

Presents a broad overview of the assessment movement. Reviews several approaches to assessment including basic skills, general education, major, and student development. Considers the nature of assessment in the communication field. (KEH)

Provides background on the general issues of performance assessment and suggests intervention strategies for department chairs. (KEH)

The speech of mothers of six children with Down syndrome was compared to that of mothers of nonretarded children, when subjects were aged 17-38 months. No significant differences were observed between the two groups for either proportion of substantive deixis or proportion of nouns (as opposed to pronouns). (Author/JDD)

Suggests ways in which attribution theories can explain the interpretation processes involved in understanding nonverbal behavior. Examines attribution choices for nonverbal messages between romantic partners and finds that level of relational satisfaction correlates with perceptions of cause for nonverbal messages. (MG)

Analyzes Fisher Ames' fiery speech of 1796 on the Jay Treaty. Demonstrates the influence of Scottish enlightenment thinkers (particularly in moral sense philosophy and faculty psychology) on Ames and his rhetoric. Demonstrates how Ames made a compelling case to shift the standard of political judgment from reason to passion. (SR)

Explores the possibility of sex and socioeducational differences in young infants' patterns of vocal interaction with mothers and strangers at two and three months of age. Infants at both ages vocalized more to mothers than to strangers. (BB)

Reports on two studies that examine effects of trait communication apprehension on students' production and perceptions of written feedback. Finds, in the first study, trait anxiety was related to negative external attributions; while the second study showed that anxiety was associated with more internal interpretations. (MS)

Describes materials and a specific teaching approach aimed at improving an aspect of children's communication known as referential communication. Argues that this ability and the complementary listening skills are basic to successful classroom discourse and that they are important abilities in most communication. (KO)