The purpose of this study was to describe the validation of a new instrument called the Teacher Communication Behavior Questionnaire (TCBQ). This instrument is meant for use in assessing students' perceptions of their interactions with their teacher by focusing on their teachers' communicating behaviors. The study described in this paper occurred…

A study compared the language of interactions of teachers with students who are native speakers (NSs) and non-native speakers (NNSs) of English in academic writing tutorial sessions. Data were gathered through discourse analysis of transcripts of 12 tutorials and interviews with the participants. Analysis of talk examined topic initiation,…

This paper presents a very comprehensive overview of the communicative language teaching (CLT) approach, presenting the views of critics as well as supporters. CLT views language as a vehicle for communication, and it recognizes as its aim the teaching of communicative competence, which includes grammatical, sociolinguistic, discourse, and…

Reports both the development of a scale designed to measure the levels of respect offered by teachers to their students and the results of a study which indicate that it is possible to train raters to employ the scale reliably. (Author/JM)

Two complementary theoretical approaches to children's foreign language acquisition, the monitor theory and theory of negotiation, are outlined. Three useful teaching techniques (meaningful practice, communication games, and children's playground games) are discussed in light of these theories, and related issues in syllabus and materials design…

An experiment using small, cooperating learning teams to increase cross-ethnic friendships was replicated in Toronto with positive results, using 146 sixth-graders from 6 schools. Cooperation in learning, rarely employed in classrooms, would lessen conflict caused by home-school differences in emphasis on cooperation/competition for indigenous…

Examines the causes of student passivity in social studies classes. The need for more classroom discourse and free-flowing, critical inquiry into controversies is stressed. Strategies for improving classroom conditions to promote discourse are described. (AM)

Evaluates the effect a behavior modification program for teachers had on verbal classroom interaction. Results indicated a positive relationship was found between taking the human relations course and developing verbal communication skills. Teachers using a more indirect approach found students exhibited a more positive self-concept. (JAC)

Supports the theory that poor school achievement by many minority group children is related to the nature of teacher-pupil classroom interaction and describes a new construct, the balance of rights in speaking and turntaking between teacher and students. (AEA)

Suggestions for improved course management include: (1) up-to-date syllabus, (2) course objectives and teacher expectations communicated in syllabus, (3) written weighted requirements for course, (4) written expectations in regard to papers and projects, (5) discussion of student responsibility, (6) clarification of grading criteria, (7) state…

One college history teacher finds lively and constructive classroom discussion in a survey course is primarily a result of the teacher's attitudes toward and assumptions about students. The teacher must create a safe atmosphere in which students can speak, and be direct and respectful with students, which clears the classroom of anxiety and…

The purpose of assigning writing that will not be formally graded is to assist students in learning subject matter and to create a classroom context that encourages active learning and interactive teaching. Offers three examples of college-level writing-to-learn assignments used in various disciplines, and some ways teachers can respond to such…

Electronic dialogues tend to be rapid, informal, and public. When college teachers use computer technology to respond to student writing, they have an opportunity to rethink and reinvent the ways in which they teach and by which students learn. Despite some new concerns and problems, this mode of communicating does not evoke the same response that…

Reflection on religious issues is an essential part of education. In secular colleges and universities, religious topics under study should be highlighted, with discussion, challenges, and critique encouraged, not dismissed or ignored. Faculty should openly express their convictions when relevant to the subject or a student's concern. Dialogue can…

Discusses effective use of teacher language in guiding children to interact verbally. Presents technique of repeating the last three words of a child utterance, followed by the word "and," which encourages children to continue talking. Suggests that coupled with positive body language and genuine interest, this technique supports verbal…