The underrepresentation of women in science and engineering might be caused by certain differences in science training processes. This study investigated sex differences in classroom atmosphere and classroom behaviors of science teachers and students. Males were dominant in working on classroom displays and classroom activities. (YP)

Describes a summer instructional program for elementary and secondary teachers involving a set of workshops on basic communication concepts, nonverbal communication, organizational communication, listening, and small group communication. Discusses issues of marketing the program, defending its academic validity, and decreasing the gap between the…

Describes a project which aims at improving human interaction in a deductive logic course via the use of a proof-checking computer program. Shows that the use of computers in education need not separate teachers from students, but rather can provide information concerning student needs and supply opportunities for addressing those needs both…

Behaviorally anchored rating scales, designed as a performance assessment tool, are applied to the assessment of student participation in classroom discussion for grading purposes. Specific instructions are given for introducing the scales in class and involving students in their use. (MSE)

Explains seven functions of oral language used by preschool and primary school children and the importance of expanding them with Native American students. Suggests classroom application, evaluation methods, and ways for teachers to monitor their own use of language with students. Methods applicable to all grade levels. (TES)

Reports on a study that recorded conversations about math in elementary classrooms. Notes a wide range of functions that the students employed in their talk, and that group size and leadership greatly affected the way in which language was used. Observes a process of mirroring that offers an important way by which mathematics "register"…

Measured whether beginning foreign language classes are more communicative now than they were 17 years ago. Two sets of classroom observations looked at the types and amounts of speaking activities in which beginning foreign language students engage in order to determine how and to what extent students practice the language artificially and as a…

Compared preschool and kindergarten teachers' expectations for children's verbal interaction. Found that preschool teachers encouraged more talking than did kindergarten teachers. Teachers who reported they encouraged children's verbal participation during teacher-directed activities were also more tolerant of verbal infractions than those who did…

Presents conversations from three seven-year olds talking with their teacher, drawn from a longitudinal study of primary school students. Examines the conversations as a piece of scripted drama to highlight the implications of classroom dialogue for teaching and learning. (HTH)

Describes the "Disease of the Week" report, an approach designed to integrate writing into a large freshman introductory biology class. Enables students to develop scientific writing skills and gain an appreciation of the role of scientific concepts in their lives. (JRH)

Presents techniques aimed at promoting a higher level of student-faculty interaction and active student participation in the learning process in introductory physics lecture classes. Discusses group problem solving, the use of flash cards, and assessment. (JRH)

Provides specific strategies that college instructors can utilize to create a sense of community in their increasingly diverse classrooms. Included are some distinct characteristics that are considered critical to achieving "true community" on the college campus. (GR)

A framework for analyzing and evaluating classroom interaction is proposed that links the social and psychological purposes underlying the communication with resultant discourse in terms of patterns of interaction. (76 references) (JL)

Presents a framework to guide teaching and assessment procedures with particular emphasis on the importance of communication in learning mathematics. The Lesh translation model contains five modes of mathematical representation: manipulatives, real-life contexts, written symbols, verbal symbols, and pictures. Describes teaching scenarios. (MKR)

Discusses the importance of mathematical communication that builds on the lives and experiences of all students, particularly African American students in urban schools. Discussion includes understanding the problem, centricity, communication, problem posing, conflict, and persuasion. (26 references) (MKR)