This article presents research to delineate the construct of instructor strategic ambiguity (ISA) and develop a measure. The first study analyzed instructor uses of ambiguity, identified 18 strategies, and classified them into four categories. The second study developed an Instructor Strategic Ambiguity Measure (ISAM) for the college classroom.…

Describes a special option to the required speech performance course at the Pennsylvania State University. This alternative is designed for students who have communication problems with class participation, basic social contacts, or formal performances. (JMF)

Presents a case history of a private clinical treatment of an individual for communication reticence. Focuses on rhetoritherapy which deals with inculcating effective communication skills. Illustrates the kinds of problems and strategies that characterize private treatment. (JMF)

Provides specific behavioral objectives focusing on a dramatic analysis of the literature which allows the oral interpreter enough flexibility for a range of performances based on a text. (MH)

Defines the term "shyness" and provides data regarding its prevalence. Discusses the relationship of shyness to other psychological problems and describes attempts to treat it in brief psychotherapy. The general goal of treatment is to provide patients with a problem-solving approach to interpersonal difficulties. (JMF)

Suggests that behavioral evidences of learning which are too narrowly defined may potentially impede the effective teaching of speech communication and advocates improved professional-public communication to establish a realistic accountability framework. (MH)

Describes systematic desensitization as a form of behavior therapy for reducing anxiety. Examines its rationale and clinical practice and explores two features of the technique (relaxation and anxiety hierarchy) as they may be applied to classroom speech instruction for reticent students. (JMF)

Suggests a program for teaching students with communication problems. Outlines in-class strategies supportive of a positive interpersonal climate and a sense of orderly purpose. Uses written dialogues between teacher and student and individual conferences. (JMF)

Suggests that small group researchers investigate message variables as a method of communication analysis. Provides examples of research-based behavioral objectives for small group communication classes. (MH)

Outlines the criteria which integrated strategies of reticence management must satisfy to be effective and to justify inclusion in a communication curriculum. Describes specific activities aimed at different categories of reticent students. (JMF)

Examines children's compliance to directives given by their peers, with particular interest in children's success with directives. Examines the roles of status, directive form, and politeness cues. Outlines four instructional objectives for teaching children to develop effective controlling strategies. (JMF)

Suggests two means of humanizing objectives and examines the cognitive and affective responses of students to behavioral objectives for a unit of instruction in a basic speech communication course. (MH)

Presents a rationale for using a Mastery Learning approach to competency-based education in public speaking. Identifies assumptions and applications of such an approach and describes procedures for teaching public speaking competence on this basis. (JMF)