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…

Presents classroom data from over a 10-year period on group work in practice. Findings indicate that collaborative learning tasks need careful planning of both the task and classroom organization. Transcripts of children's talk are analyzed to determine how the composition of the groups, the task set and the classroom organizational strategies can…

To examine classroom discussion, observations were made in 20 college classes and surveys were administered to 20 faculty and 579 students. Results indicate that little time was devoted to interaction and few students participated. However, teaching techniques (praise, probing for elaboration, accepting answers, repeating students' answers, using…

This article provides a theoretical framework for teacher sensitivity and responsiveness, describes the evidence that supports this focus, and delineates the research, interventions, and challenges that bear upon the enhancement of teacher-child sensitivity and responsibility in early childhood special education. A pilot program for facilitating…

A study involving three students (ages 7-12) with deaf-blindness found their special education teachers were highly responsive, although physical preoccupation with other students occasionally prevented them from being able to provide responses in accessible forms. They struggled with expressing themselves in forms that were accessible to the…