Presents an approach to analyzing classroom talk that sheds light on the intellectual work of the classroom. Analyzes the teaching-learning interaction in a ninth-grade English classroom where a writing lesson was being undertaken. (HB)

Examines the relationship of interpersonal homophily and self-esteem with the development of parasocial interaction. Finds that "attitude" homophily was the strongest predictor of parasocial interaction for all three groups of television performers. Shows how an integration of interpersonal and mass communication theories contributes to…

Claims that involvement is more salient than other aspects of family communication for children, and that age-related changes in communication perceptions may reflect differences in what is relevant or salient about family communication for children as they mature. Discusses implications for the study of mass communication uses and effects. (RS)

Finds that community pluralism predicted both exposure to sources of heart disease prevention information and diversity of source exposure in three upper Midwest cities. Notes that community differences in both outcomes narrowed. Suggests that the sheer amount of information about the topic of heart disease prevention and the proliferation of…

Among 105 college students studying abroad, quick development of close social networks helped to minimize loneliness. A second study involving 159 undergraduates found that hints were least effective in gaining compliance; threats were least polite but as effective as promises; direct requests were most effective. Discusses implications for camp…

Examines how theoretical and paradigmatic differences among interdisciplinary faculty are reflected in the ongoing work of a school with departments of communication, journalism, and library and information science. Reveals the presence of two groups of faculty whose members coparticipate more cohesively within themselves than between groups; and…

Explores the status of public-relations practitioners of color, identifies areas of concern for both scholars and professionals, and suggests areas for further investigation. Finds practitioners feel there has been progress toward including minorities in upper-level management positions in the field, yet their experiences reveal that barriers…

Reviews four essays in this issue of the journal. Restates the contributions of the functionalist and interpretive models represented in these essays and demonstrates how the "interparadigmatic" dialog can work. Extends the dialog beyond its current boundaries by bringing the insights of critical and postmodern scholarship to the analysis of…

Offers an overview of three broad areas studied by European researchers of business communication, focusing on the first area: the language and discourse of business events. Includes addresses for pertinent Web sites and contact information about conferences as well as research and teaching projects. (SR)

Discusses research developments in business communication in Japan from the early 1900s to present. Describes early interest in business English; the emergence of business communication; business communication as a broad and interdisciplinary research field in Japan; and its impact on teaching. (SR)

Finds that interactive television instructors' perceptions of students' nonverbal responses are positively related to their impressions of students, their perceptions of teaching effectiveness and satisfaction, perceptions of teacher-student interpersonal relationships, and preference for teaching in the interactive television classroom; these…

Examines communication skills in the teacher-student relationship. Finds that students reported referential skill, ego support, and conflict management as being most important to effective teaching; and that referential skill, ego support, and immediacy have a strong relationship with student learning and motivation. Finds some sex differences.…

Examines the discourse of a problem-based learning group in medicine. Finds evidence of a differential diagnosis frame to organize the group's diagnostic inquiry procedures; coconstruction of explanatory case models linking causes to clinical symptoms through interactive discussion; processes of collaborative reasoning in evaluating alternative…

Examines the discourse of a problem-based learning group in medicine. Offers a sociocultural analysis of the data segment, focusing on the complex agendas pursued by the medical students. Explores the multiple agendas confronting a "transition community," the intra-space and inter-personal issues, and the role of the coach in transition…

Comments on a set of five analyses of the discourse of a problem-based learning group in medicine. Discusses how the five articles take a first step toward resolving a critical issue of learning theory: understanding the boundary between common sense and technical forms of reasoning, action, and discourse; and by what means students grow from…