Part of a series of articles entitled "Environment and the Child.

In response to a challenge that those concerned with communicative competence find an alternative to the traditional comprehension question, it is proposed that the tables be turned and the student be encouraged to initiate questions. This technique would require a change in classroom atmosphere, student role, and sometimes, teacher attitude. (MSE)

Data analyzed from Communication Climate and Student Questionnaires confirmed the following hypotheses: (1) liked classes have a more supportive and less defensive communication climate than disliked classes, and (2) student behavior in classes with a defensive communication climate is characterized by the use of coping mechanisms (daydreaming,…

Describes a method of arranging group discussion of a novel in a high school English class that encourages each group member to participate. (AEA)

Summarizes historical developments in the sociology of language and education. Urges teachers to create alternative patterns of interaction in their classrooms so that they might better promote learning, language development, and social relations among teachers and students. (RL)

Presents a compilation of various language usage programs as they relate to establishing and maintaining discipline in the classroom. (FL)

Explores ways teachers can intervene in the writing process to help students advance in their writing. (JL)

Looks at a linguistic study that investigated children's communicative competence within the classroom setting. (FL)

A general model of teacher-student interaction is expanded specifically to mathematics. Mathematics appears to lead to idiosyncratic forms of language and communication in the classroom. (MP)

Differences in teachers' ability to use separate signs for English grammatical endings and the use of characteristics of American Sign Language were found. Deaf teachers deleted far fewer signs and used more elements of ASL while the inexperienced hearing teachers did the reverse. (Author/DB)

Identifies several teaching techniques that help children develop an awareness of the communicative nature of reading and writing. Cites learning theories to support the techniques. (FL)

Describes the process and outcomes of placing four disabled adults and one mother of a cerebral palsied child as teaching assistants in preschool, second- and fourth-grade classrooms in two California schools. Suggests that the employment of disabled persons in public education is an effective way of integrating special needs children into regular…

Presents some of the findings of the ORACLE research program (Observational Research and Classroom Learning Evaluation), a detailed observational study of teacher-student interaction, teaching styles, and management methods within a sample of primary classrooms. (Editor/SJL)

The efficiency of language teaching that employs requests and information solicitation is demonstrated. Pre- and post-test scores of students and videotapes of their teacher-initiated verbal interactions shows a direct relationship between language improvement and the teacher's use of imperatives, indicating the potential value of…