An interview with Michael Stubbs, lecturer in linguistics at the University of Nottingham, regarding the sociolinguistics of the classroom. (DD)

Discusses three types of student-constructed responses that use expressive rather than receptive modes of communication. These types are constructing questions given some information, constructing word problems for peers, and asking questions related to a problem. (MKR)

Educators must find ways to create a climate of cooperation in order to teach students the academic, social, and emotional skills they need to function successfully. Classroom meetings serve as an excellent vehicle for teaching this type of cooperation. Explores research on the effectiveness of classroom meetings, the important components of these…

Responds to an article in the same issue of this journal claiming that the Behavior Alteration Technique checklist suffers from an item desirability bias. Argues that the article's entire allegation rests on a faulty premise and on an indefensible research design which fails to test the contention. (SR)

Presents a rebuttal to P. Kearney and T. Plax's criticisms in this issue of this journal. Argues that careful analysis of the existing data shows that teachers do rely on "negative" or power assertive discipline in the classroom and that the heuristic processing account provides a sound explanation of the biased pattern observed in…

Argues that the British National Literacy Strategy (NLS) offers teachers contradictory pedagogical advice on interactive teaching. Uses case study evidence and observations of classroom interaction to show that, while teachers vary in sensitivity to dilemmas posed by NLS demands, their Literacy Hour discourse is quantitatively and qualitatively…

Similarities and differences among four examples of classroom and instructional management were studied. Effective management, though necessary, is not sufficient to bring about student achievement. Relationships exist among management and achievement variables, social and academic participation structures, instructional sequencing, and the…

Analyzes video recordings of classroom discourse in a cooperative learning program by using sociolinguistic methods to discover the actual content of a classroom dialog and how the participants infer the meaning of what is said. Concludes that, when children are left alone, they will involve themselves in the curriculum but frame it in perspective…

Examines the question of the distinctive nature of communication in Australia. Discusses nonverbal messages, gender concerns, historical influences on communication, the Australian accent, communication with indigenous persons, communication apprehension, and classroom communication. Argues that Australians' communication is relatively similar to…

Responds to J. Sprague's 1992 criticisms of the program of research known as Power in the Classroom. Argues that both the covering law and the critical approach to studying power in the classroom are useful because they provide scholars and teachers with answers to distinct research questions. Identifies ways in which both epistemologies are…

Responds to an article in the same issue. Discusses four levels of scrutiny of the language of a research program: vocabulary choices; transformation of terms with the research process; style, syntax, tone, and organization of research reports; and translation of findings into recommendations and policy. Advocates productive dialogue in the…

Discusses briefly five books that can help teachers learn about how conversation works and help their students gain language competence. (SR)

Data from 81 hard-of-hearing and 130 deaf teachers were used to compare the medical/pathological and the sociocultural models of deafness. Differences found between deaf and hard-of-hearing teachers support the sociocultural model of deafness and indicate that deaf and hard-of-hearing people need to be grouped and considered separately for…

Describes some observations of novice students during a data-logging activity and draws on recent relevant research. Discusses aspects of students' talk about real-time graphs and reports on their perceptions of using IT in science. Suggests that such talk may help develop students' appreciation of the meaning in their data and their skills in…

Describes and discusses a combinatorics exploration occurring in a recent course to help characterize the kind of learning communities to establish with students. (Author/MKR)