Discusses the role played in classroom communication by each hemisphere of the brain and how each helps a child decide on the authenticity of verbal communication. Cites a study of verbal-nonverbal cues and brain functioning revealing that children rely on the nonverbal cues as indicators of the true message. (FL)

The author describes and gives examples (from Boston schools) of a nonpunitive approach to classroom discipline designed by William Glasser. The Glasser approach involves getting the student to make a commitment to change his undesirable behavior through class communications. (MF)

Research on the effects of teacher clarity on student achievement levels suggests that teacher trainees should concentrate on reducing their use of "vagueness terms" and ambiguous word phraseology in a classroom situation. (LH)

Investigates the effect of the use of a training method that applies the kinetic structure of verbal communication on the increase of the commonality of secondary science teachers' lectures. (HM)

The effects of student self-recording and contingent points on undergraduates' verbal behaviors during class discussions were investigated. The contingency system increased the percentage of students participating and the frequency of individual comments during each discussion. The points were more effective with reticent students. Students'…

The importance of communication skills in the vocational education teaching/learning process is underscored. The most important measures which differentiated good from poor teaching were: teacher dynamism, teacher delivery, time spent with students, positive reinforcement of students, and positive attitude toward the students. (RC)

Discusses the difficulties that students who are culturally/linguistically diverse or students with learning disabilities have in learning "how to do school." Components of learning to do school are described, as well as an ethnographic study of regular and special education students who were learning to do school in inclusive settings. (Author/CR)

Deconstructs a literature discussion with students based on a reading of Mildred Taylor's "The Friendship," a novel about racial prejudice. Shows that students come into the classroom with their own biases, preferences, and ideas about the world shaped by family and community. (PA)

Calls for greater attention to pedagogical challenges and opportunities to integrate service-learning and academic study, particularly in maintaining both content coverage and empowerment as objectives. Draws on transcripts of class discussions and student writing in a community service learning course focusing on literacy to trace students'…

In a study of class participation, a survey of 1,059 college students and 49 professors revealed that students perceived seven factors in student participation, four of which were class traits, none professor traits; and that faculty perceived three variables, two class traits and one student trait. Implications of these findings for teaching,…

A review of research suggests that the idea of cultural differences in "learning styles" may be used to marginalize and alienate Indigenous students in mainstream educational settings. An awareness of cultural influences can be used more appropriately to further the effectiveness of communication in the classroom and among all…

Reports the results of a survey that asked English-as-a-Second-Language educators to define and describe academic language, give examples of students who use it proficiently in speaking and writing, discuss problems students have with it, and provide examples of how best to assess it. (CK)

Presents findings from a 9-month ethnographic study of cross-cultural learning for the purpose of helping teachers better understand classroom conditions and behaviors that support and hinder students' comprehension of teachers' spoken language. Follows an 8-year-old native English speaker in an Icelandic classroom. Suggests that…

Characterizes middle school teachers' discussions of assigned readings from a variety of content area materials. Finds that the teachers' purpose appeared to influence the type of discussion they conducted and that their actual discussions seldom resembled their articulated abstract definitions of a good discussion. (KEH)

Discusses how young children, when given a chance in the classroom, display many and varied responses to literature. Shares, through the use of classroom experiences, how language and literature can guide the development of curriculum. (MG)