The difficulties and obstacles encountered in research in the analysis and interpretation of writing conference talk are theoretically important. These dilemmas may serve as markers to help researchers see how the routines of research and the interpretations of findings are integrally related. The ways in which talk "rearranges" problems…

A speech communication professor informs his students of implicit classroom rules by using a humorous handout. Now and then, the professor elaborates on items in class using stories of classroom encounters that led to the handout's creation. Some of these "tongue-in-cheek" rules (there are 22 in all) are: (1) try to arrive at class a few…

Few empirical studies have focused on how composition students draw on classroom interactions to develop as writers. For instance, when students disagree fundamentally in their interpretations of what they have read, how are the range of voices reflected in their subsequent writing? The student-led format for discussions proves conducive to…

A discussion of the visual aspect of second-language reading processes proposes a theoretical model of reading and reports on research into the kinds of questions second-language students ask in class. The model of reading outlined is based on the operations of the human eye. Just as the operations of the lens (focus) change the picture at the…

Teacher immediacy and use of power have surfaced as important instructional communication variables, yet little is known about how they function to effect learning. To offer an explanation as to how teacher immediacy and use of power facilitates learning, a study investigated implicit communication theory. Subjects consisted of 625 undergraduate…

Misunderstandings across communication situations frequently occur due to gender differences in communication styles, differences in either meanings or values attached to the linguistic symbols used to convey a message. An analysis of communication in the classroom based on Walter J. Ong's educational history, "Fighting for Life Contest,…

Using film making in the classroom can bring to life concepts that may seem abstract and offer thinking as well as decision making skills to the participants. To achieve this objective, a small group communication class was asked to make a movie about creativity. The 3-week project resulted in the writing, directing, filming, and editing of a…

Noting that the adult learner is becoming an increasingly prevalent presence in the classroom, this paper presents a literature review and critical evaluation of the overall effort made by communication researchers to study the phenomenon of the adult learner in the college classroom. The paper first reviews 13 articles in 3 categories of research…

In a diverse population such as the one at the University of New Mexico, a population made up of a variety of ethnic groups including Hispanic, Navajo, Japanese, and Anglo students, instructors need to give a voice to every student, to point out differences, similarities, universal and not-so-universal ideas, all of which enrich everyone's store…

The hypothesis that teachers are unaware of the pattern of their interactions with students was tested by observing dyadic interactions between teachers and students and having teachers estimate their interactions. Results indicated a general lack of awareness on the part of teachers of the frequency and types of their interactions. (Author)

Suggests that teachers create open learning environments to bring about originality by using several strategies which are listed. (LS)

Demonstrates that the parameters of teachers' classroom expression protected by the First Amendment is dependent on evaluating the expression in terms of both traditional requirements for First Amendment protection and compatibility with constitutionally valid educational purposes. Examines factors to be considered in constructing limits on…

The direction that college and university instruction must move to is to a more informal structure of teaching procedures. Moving from a formal to an informal classroom can be accomplished by use of a series of changes that can be implemented easily over a short period of time. (Author)

Presents some considerations about the variable of "wait time," a pause after a teacher question so that students can think or a pause after a student statement. (PEB)

Middle school teachers often attend seminars and workshops where the advantages of communicative activities are discussed at great length. Teachers may even enjoy doing the communicative activities themselves during a teacher training session. However, many teachers are afraid to use communicative activities in the classroom. In theory teachers…