Examines the differences in how Black and White viewers process messages based on the race of television characters representing five occupations. Notes that findings from male college students suggest that Black viewers have better recall of Black occupational characters than White characters on television. Reveals evidence that both Black and…

Investigates the similarities and differences in cognitive processing during reading and writing activities as reported in the think-aloud protocols of an above-average and a below-average student. Concludes that the above-average student reported more behaviors and more behaviors that facilitated meaning-making than the below-average student. (RS)

Studies the development of a political ideology that draws on the resources of myth. Analyzes how Pat Robertson's concepts of apocalyptic fulfillment provided an ideological basis for his 1988 presidential campaign, but resulted in significant rhetorical problems. Finds that the transformation in Robertson's apocalyptic vision stemmed from his…

Proposes and analyzes Video Audience Simulation Technique (VAST), an electronic instructional aid related to video robotics, used to simulate audiences for public speakers, providing realistic speech rehearsal, instructor control of audience feedback to facilitate learning, and portrayal of specialized audiences unavailable in normal instructional…

Examines three writing assignment variables--topic, purpose, and audience--to determine how writing prompts affect student performance in grades 7, 9, and 11, and in college freshmen. Finds these variables influenced writing quality at different grades in different ways; generally, specific purpose and topic cues produced better essays. (SR)

Techniques in using readership surveys to boost the effectiveness and acceptance of a college publication, particularly those intended for faculty and alumni, are outlined. Steps include planning the research, selecting survey participants, drafting a questionnaire, designing a survey package, monitoring response, and reviewing and presenting…

Listening is an important part of presenting. An optimum learning environment is one in which individuals participate fully without pretense in the presentation experience. The article explores why listening is so important, offers tips for the best ways to listen to audience members, and examines how not to listen. (SM)

First-year law students' writing would improve if students were encouraged and inspired by upbeat, practical pedagogical techniques and internalized notions of audience and purpose from the first day of class. By borrowing from journalism education, law schools could produce lawyers who are better communicators. (MSE)

Outlines a model for distance collaboration between business writing classrooms using network technology. Discusses ways to teach national and international audience awareness, problem solving, and the contextual nature of cases. Discusses goals for distance collaboration, sample assignments, and the pros and cons of network technologies. (SR)

Provides an annotated bibliography of audiocassette tapes for instruction in 16 foreign languages. Methods of language instruction are discussed; differences in the target audience are considered, including tourists and business people; and guidelines for developing a library collection of language tapes are suggested. (LRW)

Includes a preface and two articles: "Rhetoric in Action: Roger's Social Studies Classroom" and "Rhetorical Understandings for Social Studies Teachers." Details how one teacher applies rhetorical principles to teaching, so that student learning, enjoyment, and motivation increase. Focuses on the definitions and principles of…

Provides a selective review of interdisciplinary research of the bases for and obstacles to effective environmental advocacy (EA). Synthesizes an analysis of the social backdrop of contemporary EA, considers research associated with environmental communication, and uses theory and research involving social cognition to indicate ways that advocates…

States that, if writing teachers are to do a better job in teaching writing, they must create a writing community in their classrooms that motivates students instrumentally and integratively in the writing process. (MG)

This paper offers a comparative analysis of three television news programs aimed at children: the BBC's "Newsround," Nickelodeon's "Nick News," and "Channel One News." Focuses on implicit assumptions about the child viewer, and on the ways in which these are manifested in the selection and framing of content and in…

Makes suggestions for professional performers working at community colleges, including learning about student demographics, the kind of performance sought, what has worked in the past, where and when the performance takes place, reason for the event, and how the college has presented performers in the past. Offers hints for making work with…