This study investigated whether there was a significant relationship between the predominant teaching approach to which an individual had been exposed during school life and: (1) level of communication apprehension (CA); and (2) preferred teaching approach if the individual became a teacher. A sample of 61 student teachers in the middle of their…

Analyzing particular encounters, this report identifies proven strategies to better control hostile conversations. Chapter 1, "Defusing the Angry Screamer," indicates the importance of controlling both voice and word choice, depersonalizing tirades, ascertaining triggering events, and being attuned to signs of escalation. Chapter 2,…

It has been widely acknowledged in language acquisition research that cultural learning is an inseparable part of language learning. However, insufficient attention has been paid to the culture of classroom learning which involves both teachers' and learners' cultural values, beliefs, roles, expectations, and conceptions of teaching and learning.…

Advisors must beware of communication barriers with the students they serve and should develop specific skills in writing, speaking, listening, and nonverbal behaviors. (MSE)

Addresses the problem of how to adapt a "talking treatment" for use with abusive and neglectful families. The concept of a family's "verbal accessibility," or readiness to communicate, can assist workers in understanding these families and designing the most effective plan for treatment. (Author)

Explores the effects of current divorce trends on the college-age population. Being informed of impending divorce is traumatic for college students and is often followed by shock, depression, anger and low self-esteem. Parental dating behavior, the loyalty dilemma, role reversal and remarriage represent problem areas in adjustment. (RC)

This paper's findings advocate looking beyond cultural discontinuity for an explanation of communication failure between American Indian parents and school personnel. Through "gatekeeping," American Indian parents mediate the communications dilemma wrought by conditions of distrust, racial tension, maintenance of tribal identity,…

Discusses the difficulties experienced by fathers in carrying out what they accept as their parental responsibility to communicate with their children about sexuality. Includes examples from interviews with fathers, their wives, and their adolescent children. Finds that fathers' difficulties result from conflicts between traditional masculinity…

Surveys undergraduates' experiences with and attitudes toward international teaching assistants (ITAs). Argues that students, who are coping with a difficult situation in which required courses are often taught by ITAs with different cultural and pedagogical expectations, are reluctant to seek help from the teacher. (38 references) (Author/CK)

Considers causes of friction between librarians and computer support staff, including poor communications, dealing with patron discontent, management problems, difficulties in purchasing hardware and software, and difficulties with systems work. (LRW)

Reasons for limited spontaneity of communication in individuals with high support needs are considered and include: it is an inherent characteristic, a product of highly structured teaching programs, a form of learned helplessness, or a product of a failure to systematically program for spontaneity. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

A possible sex scandal involving a teacher and a teenage student rocked the community in Anchorage, Alaska. Privacy and labor laws and union contract forbade board members from discussing the retirement deal that had been negotiated with the accused teacher. Hindsight suggests board members should have shared what information they could with the…

Presents excerpts from a symposium in Charlottesville (VA) at which researchers, policymakers, and journalists discussed educational issues and the relationship of research to reform. Discusses issues concerning communication problems between groups and why it is important to keep talking with each other. Explores ways of improving the…

Examines communication training aimed at women, such as assertiveness training, as an example of linguistics applied to real-world problems and argues that both the problem and the proposed solution are sociolinguistically and politically misconstrued. Such training often makes overgeneralizations regarding women's communication skills and assumes…

Discusses problems of communication apprehension (CA) among developmental students. Explains types of CA, reviews methods of individual assessment among developmental students, and describes a structured alleviation curriculum. Provides step-by-step instructions for employing the CA alleviation techniques of systematic desensitization, cognitive…