Cognitive and communicative skills of library school students and health science students were compared using two self-reporting cognitive style inventories. Differences were found between the groups in oral, written, and nonverbal communication, and reasoning patterns, which may result in poor communication when librarians deal with health…

Describes a study which examined the combined effects of student participation and of more realistic levels of vagueness terms (incertainty and bluffing terms) on student achievement and attitudes. One conclusion based on sixth-grade students (N=96) responses suggests that relatively low levels of teacher uncertainty and bluffing can influence…

Using 74 eighth graders, the effects of computer-assisted cooperative, competitive, and individualistic instruction were compared. Computer-assisted cooperative instruction promoted greater quantity and quality of daily achievement, more successful problem solving, more task-related student-student interaction, and increased the perceived status…

Studied one aspect of communication competency: how people express emotions through verbal behavior. Found, among other conclusions, that references to unpleasant emotions outnumber references to pleasant emotions almost two to one. (PD)

Describes features of a second generation computer simulation offering teacher education students realistic experience in maintaining verbal dialog during spelling lessons with computer-defined pupils. Features discussed include lesson content, behavioral sensitivity, cueing during training, and post-lesson debriefing. User evaluations of the…

This digest presents an overview of the auditory-verbal approach to teaching communication skills to children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The goal of auditory-verbal practices is for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to grow up in "typical" learning and living environments that enable them to become independent,…

This paper reports on a study that investigated the effectiveness of an early intervention program based on the needs of Turkish mothers of six children (ages 0-3) with hearing impairments. The program included an informational component and an educational component. During the preparation of the program, the mothers' expressed needs were taken…

A study examined the relationship among instructor socio-communicative style, argumentativeness, and verbal aggressiveness in the college classroom. Participants were 139 undergraduate students enrolled at a small southern university who completed the Assertiveness-Responsiveness Measure (Richmond and McCroskey, 1995), as well as modified versions…

This paper presents a state-of-the-art examination of the literature addressing humor in leadership. A theoretical rationale is developed for the importance of humor as functional communication, especially as it relates to leadership. Research from several disciplines relevant to the use of humor in leadership is organized and synthesized.…

This report discusses a study that examined the perceived credibility of children with learning disabilities once they received instruction in a procedure to increase recall during narrative testimony. Narrative Elaboration Training (NET) helps children to develop memory skills by teaching strategies for remembering the details that are expected…

At a time when children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds represent the fastest growing school-age population in the United States, too many of these children are failing in school science and mathematics. This report discusses the events and recommendations of the Children's Ways with Words in Science and Mathematics…

Invitational education maintains that people respond best when they are invited to feel valuable, able, and responsible, and that teachers can transmit verbal and nonverbal messages that promote positive student reactions. An overview of the concept is presented, and four types of behavior of physical education teachers and their effects are…

Examined relationships between teacher characteristics (N=30 inservice teachers) and verbal interactions in the classroom. Characteristics examined included teacher lecture, training, intelligence, attitude, extraversion, and neuroticism. Other factors examined included teacher accepting behavior, teacher rejection of responses, teacher-student…

Ratings were made of childrens' verbal-social behavior by nursery nurses and teachers in day nurseries, nursery schools, and combined nursery centers. These ratings were analyzed for group differences, and validity was assessed by comparing ratings with observations of the children's behavior and scores on two language tests. (RH)

Lesson units on teaching young citizens about contemporary issues can be used to start class projects that explore how the communications media present information about national issues in different ways and for different purposes. Classroom activities are suggested. Reproducible worksheets and a list of information resources and books for…