Secondary school forensic programs have long been under pressure from a variety of sources who question the educational value of such activities. Three relatively new issues will affect the growth and development of these programs: the "back to basics" movement, the spending ceilings imposed in local school districts by state legislatures, and the…

Several writers have criticized the traditional structure of the forensics programs--on college and high school levels--as perpetuating a "reality gap" between contest debate and actual public communication. There are methods, however, whereby high school directors can help to bridge this gap and can present a more interesting and enriching…

This study investigated the relative effectiveness of a political speech of refutation using humor and one which did not use humor. Three speeches were tape-recorded and played before 328 college freshmen students: the first was a speech of advocacy, the second was a speech of refutation, and the third was the same as the second, but humor was…

This document presents a brief analysis and synthesis of seven teaching methods. These methods include the pedagogy of the oppressed (i.e., a critical analysis of the uses of power to control man's behavior), the wardha scheme (i.e., craft-centered education), small-group methods, the open classroom approach, the British style debate, panel…

This issue of "Focus: Teaching English in Southeastern Ohio" contains articles about teaching Shakespeare, student summaries of a Shakespeare conference held at Ohio University-Zanesville in April 1976, and suggested projects for teaching poetry writing. It also contains lists of materials and articles related to the teaching of…

Describes Bohr-Einstein debate during the period of development of the quantum theory, and how each used Heisenberg's uncertainty principle to support his views. (GA)

Provides a transcript of the thirtieth National Debate Tournament sponsored by the American Forensic Association in 1976 which focuses on the use of U.S. land controls as a possible solution to world food/population problems. (MH)

Summarizes arguments on both sides of the nature nurture controversy and relates the arguments to the new discipline of sociobiology. Concludes that both camps avoid consideration of postulation and reflexivity, which are described as central human capacities. For journal availability, see SO 505 653. (Author/DB)

The educational value of presenting a controversial speaker is indisputable. The stated purpose of most educational institutions is to broaden the intellectual, cultural, and personal attitudes of their students and constituents. A controversial lecture serves as a powerful stimulus for developmental growth. (MLW)

This article introduces a special issue of "American Psychologist" on psychology and education. The perspective of the contributors is that educational progress benefits from systematic, thoughtful approaches to understanding how learning and teaching occur within various educational settings. The articles and their authors are introduced. (VM)

The 1988 presidential election should be an important occasion for asking the political candidates questions regarding their interpretations of the Constitution, grasp of economics, effectiveness as politicians, leadership style, intellectual curiosity, understanding of differing aspirations Americans have for the nation, and views on the…

States that classroom debate can stimulate students to think critically about important issues and strengthen their abilities to express ideas logically. Outlines a teaching strategy that utilizes a debate format to improve students' verbal articulation as well as their writing skills. (Author/GEA)

Describes a debating program in a Pennsylvania high school, in order to show how debating can sharpen students' intellectual dexterity. Debate promotes critical thinking, careful listening, and effective use of library resources. (TE)

Reports on 1986 Conference of the Association for Library and Information Science Education held in Chicago, Illinois, January 15-17. The theme was "Accreditation: The Way Ahead." Stress management for faculty, new paradigms, response from the practice, insights from educators and research, and program highlights are noted. (EJS)

Uses the judicial model of reasoning employed by the Supreme Court as an exemplar in teaching critical skills in the basic argumentation and debate course. Describes the model and course highlights. (PD)