The results of participant-observer research in beginning French and German classes shows that recognition of common ground in the classroom is essential for communication, and that a sense of classroom community is crucial to truly communicative interaction. (Author/MSE)

Explores note writing and other "literacy events" in one sixth-grade classroom. Focuses on the "unofficial" use of literacy used to communicate within the students' underground classroom culture. Learning that exceeds adult expectations is evident in students' nonacademic writing which they use to present themselves, to share, and to order. (JS)

Examination of the relationship between students' use of French and English in five classes at a bilingual university and their access to subject-matter knowledge and social networks found language brokerage to be an important process in two classes. The process of language brokerage, related research, and policy implications are discussed.…

Describes a framework for child-centered programs. Topics discussed include teacher attitudes, the classroom environment, lesson plans, conversation, observation, perspective-taking, and teacher self-reflection. (RJC)

Study found differential effects for five types of teacher directions (verbal instruction, nonverbal instruction, verbal instruction with physical assistance, nonverbal instruction with physical assistance, and physical assistance) with 24 severely behaviorally disordered students, aged 9-16. Nonverbal commands resulted in the most appropriate…

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)