Examines the relationship between new biology teachers' subject matter knowledge and classroom discourse, contrasting classroom discourse during laboratory investigation with discourse during other classroom activities. Data analysis suggests that knowledge and control are related but in ways unique to the communicative context of the laboratory.…

This study investigated the effect of FM (frequency modulation) auditory trainer use on attending behaviors of 36 students (ages 5-10) with learning disabilities. Children wearing the auditory trainers scored better than control students on eye contact, having body turned toward sound source, and absence of extraneous body movement and vocal…

Five educators respond to a hypothetical college classroom interaction in which the teacher struggles with students' emotional responses to course content. The comments focus on these issues: resistance to difficult concepts, optimism, the teacher's role, and the relationship of emotional response and the learning process. (MSE)

Special problems in assessing how college students use technology and the products they create with it are discussed using the examples of listserv discussions (student participation, quality and coherence of discussion, selection of postings) and a computer-based data analysis in a graduate statistics course. Rubrics for evaluating each are…

Presents the results of an analysis of science-classroom lab talk which focuses on topics and manner of talk as an approach to understanding the social context of undergraduate lab work. Argues that lab instructors should pay attention to how "scientific" the lab talk is, and to sociability among students. Contains 32 references.…

Illustrates, through the example of a classroom "trial" in an urban junior high school, how letting students control classroom discussion (within an orderly overall framework) set the stage for increased learning and better student participation. (SLD)

Discusses programmatic and curricular modifications often needed for students included in public school settings who are deaf or hard of hearing, such as adapting the mode/flow of classroom communication, linguistic-level changes, and adapting the listening and physical environment. Possible curricular modifications are suggested for…

Addresses the importance and advantages of building a classroom community in which the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of the learners are considered. Recommends three student-centered activities that enable children to become members of the classroom community by sharing their personal experiences with one another and practicing…

A study explored effects of a multimedia-based anchored instruction intervention on student/teacher interactions in a social studies classroom with 19 eighth graders, 9 with mild disabilities. Overall, instruction became more interactive as observational and interview data indicated a twofold increase in the number of daily student/teacher…

Contrasts experiences of two children during the first week of kindergarten to illustrate the importance of the classroom environment for inviting children to become full participants in the learning process. (KB)

Develops from the observation of teacher-student interaction in classrooms a grounded typology of teacher feedback that provides a language to use in discussing feedback with teachers. Argues that the importance of this work is its contribution to the translation of achievement goal theory into practical terms for classroom use. (DSK)

Explores differences in the range and types of graduate students in a campus-based and a Web-based graduate course on teaching adolescent literature. Finds useful discussion in all class settings, with spontaneity and surprise being more apparent in face-to-face classes and in-depth discussion more apparent in electronic discussion on the issue of…

In response to a study of functions of first-language usage in the second-language classroom, it is suggested the findings extend the scope of sociocultural theory by complementing studies in which language is seen to mediate the learning of concepts, in this case the second language, and gives insight into issues currently under vigorous…

Classroom communication is best characterized as social activity wherein interpersonal relationships are created, maintained, and even changed through teacher-student interactions. A close analysis of some discourse features suggests that what differentiates the way teachers interact with more successful and less successful students is the extent…

Examines issues of linguistic diversity in the inclusive classroom, focusing on South Africa, including the history of linguistic diversity in that educational context, language as a transmitter of culture, and the relationship between culture and learning style. Suggestions are made for validating and affirming every learner's language and…