This discussion is intended as a general introduction to communicative language teaching. The text is divided into six parts dealing with the reasons for communicative language teaching, the background to it, learning to communicate, classroom activities, the role of the teacher, and ways to get the method started. Part One examines the nature of…

The specification in concrete behavioral terms of theoretical constructs is one difficulty associated with behavioral assessment. For example, the construct of heterosocial skill has not been successfully defined in operational terms. A linear modeling technique was used to identify valid behavioral referents of heterosocial skill ratings for both…

Some older adults experience difficulty in decentering their own viewpoint on tasks requiring spatial and communicative role-taking. To examine the social perspective-taking skills of older adults and the kinds of strategies older people would suggest to solve social dilemmas, adults were interviewed about their typical interpersonal problems. A…

Four papers address issues related to affective competencies needed by teachers of visually handicapped students. In "Role of the Home and Parent in Enhancing Self-Concept," T. Galloway, a parent, describes her experiences in coping with her multiply handicapped child's disabilities and in helping him to feel good about himself. C. Leonard…

Administrators can discover what kinds of implicit assumptions direct their personnel decisions. From this discovery they can gain a clarification that will broaden and strengthen their basis for administrative action. All too often administrators become preoccupied with the systems they develop or inherit for structuring their work, when they…

Issues involved in the education of adolescents with learning disabilities (LD) include the necessity for the student to surmount organizational problems at home and at school, and the effects of inadequate social skills and the fear of failure. Parents of LD students should understand their rights in the assessment process, and should be…

Designed to help those who must consider relocating to secure employment, this relocation guide provides answers to a number of questions pertaining to moving, money management, and adjusting to a new community. Various aspects of deciding to move are covered, including reasons for moving, thinking of a move as permanent, feelings of homesickness,…

One of a series of pre-apprenticeship training modules, this self-paced student training module deals with the ways in which expectations of events and reactions to them either limit individuals or open up possibilities for them. Provided in the module are the following: cover sheet listing module title, goals, and performance indicators;…

The standard assertion training package includes a selection of techniques from behavior therapy such as modeling, behavior rehearsal, and role-playing along with lectures and discussion, bibliotherapy, and audiovisual feedback. The effects of a standard assertion training package with and without videotape feedback on self-report measures of…

It is generally believed that the audience influences one's self-presentation. Research has described the person sensitive to the public aspects of behavior to be in a state of public self-awareness. This construct of public self-consciousness was examined in relation to the individual's self-presentations to several different audiences. A median…

The physical and emotional manifestations of burnout are described. A five-phase model is outlined for preventing extensive stress leading to teacher burnout. Phase One is predicated upon the notion that a professional cannot manage stress without the ability to identify it. Descriptions are given of the signs of physiological, psychological, and…

The constructs of self-reinforcement and social skill have received increasing attention from researchers concerned with the etiology and maintenance of depression. These two variables, however, have not been empirically related. The relationship between depression, self-reinforcement, and social skill was examined with an interpersonal task.…

The document contains an instrument for the vocational assessment of severely handicapped individuals. Provided for each of eight assessment areas are a list of characteristics/procedures for evaluation and a form for recording results. The following areas are covered: general appearance (body cleanliness/grooming, clothing cleanliness,…