Reports on a study of 138 college sociology professors on their attitudes about and techniques for learning students' names. Finds that the number of tactics used for learning names declines as class size increases. Includes 18 techniques for name-learning. (CFR)

Presents a study of results of training a nursery teacher and nurse in "Incidental Teaching" (IT) procedures designed to encourage child-initiated language interactions in the classroom. Reports increased use of IT by the subjects and in initiation by second-language learning children. Concludes that the number of words used increased…

This literature review focuses on methodologies, instruments, and findings from research on the instructional contexts of elementary and secondary students with learning disabilities. The review covers the time that students were engaged in different activities in different settings, interactions between teachers and students, and students'…

This study examined teacher-student interactions in 18 middle school social studies and science classes (which included mainstreamed students with disabilities) whose teachers received a 6-session inservice emphasizing teacher effectiveness variables. Differential effects were found for teacher and student type. (Author/DB)

Classroom communication in the second-language class is examined from an ethnographic perspective, highlighting the role of students in helping each other learn. Turn-taking, patterns of addressing teacher and peers, and different kinds of interaction that promote learning: cooperative; didactic; competitive; theatrical; personalized. (MSE)

Four ideas for French language instruction are presented, including an exploration of cultural and linguistic meaning in advertising; use of the Minitel database and computer capabilities; interpersonal communication games; and a vocabulary development and comprehension activity using text from a French weekly publication. (MSE)

A discussion of misunderstandings occurring in the college classroom looks at the common sources of misconceptions and offers three ways to diagnose and address them: (1) asking students to think aloud as they solve problems; (2) having students teach course topics; and (3) reviewing students' notes with them. (MSE)

Presents quantitative data emerging from a study of Inuit classroom interactions and discourse patterns. The research focuses on the transformational effects of the incorporation of culturally congruous social interaction patterns and the promotion of traditional values on these two aspects of Inuit classroom conversations. (19 references)…

In a study of differences in frequency of interruptions, aspects of dominant-submissive sex role behavior in preschool children and their teachers during conversation were examined. Boys interrupted teachers more than girls did, and teachers interrupted girls more than they did boys. (LB)

Presents an annotated dialogue between two teachers concerning a teacher's observations of children's play. Discusses teachers' practice of representing children's play for the children and the results of this practice. (BB)

This article presents the authors' comments concerning their paper (EC 602 059) that examined teachers' thought processes during instruction of at-risk students. The article comments on the authors' reasons for doing the study, their response to critics, and changes they would make if conducting the study again. (JDD)

Examines the descriptive and analytical work of students and teachers through classroom talk and interaction, using information from audiotaped classroom activities to identify classroom members' work. The article discusses the organization of classroom knowledge, relationships, and order, noting relationships between descriptive and analytic work…

Discusses the declining role of Spanish at every level of the teaching profession. Although Spanish is the most-studied foreign language in the United States, the increasing trend is to use English instead of Spanish, even in upper-level and literature classes and in scholarly writing about Spanish. (CNP)

Examines the potential of small-group interaction to provide significant linguistic opportunities that whole-class teaching is less well placed to deliver. Compares data from two groups of children from the same classroom engaged in the same group activity. Draws on the work of Bakhtin to identify monologic and dialogic features in the children's…

A Grinnell College (Iowa) study investigated whether students (n=200) felt that balanced discussion of racial/diversity issues was possible and why they did or did not want to discuss the issues. Most thought balanced discussion was impossible, feared a single viewpoint would dominate, and feared reprisal for speaking against the dominant…