This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 23 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: (1) increasing patient communication through modeling; (2) an analysis of elementary Yeshiva school principals' and faculties' perceived leadership behavior and…

The problem of Hispanic-Anglo conflicts in nonverbal communication is approached in this paper from the perspective of a teacher of English and Spanish as second languages, using largely anecdotal and often autobiographical data. Specific cross-cultural differences between Hispanics (Puerto Ricans, Dominicans and Cubans) and Anglos in the area of…

A study was conducted to examine the effects of child abuse and neglect on children's nonverbal behaviors. It was hypothesized that abused and neglected children would be less active nonverbally than would control group children. Eight abused and neglected children, aged one through three years, were videotaped interacting with their caregivers in…

To provide a description of children's strategies for acquiring and protecting status in peer interactions, participant observation fieldwork was conducted in a classroom of 24 kindergarteners in a low socioeconomic status urban public school. During the period from January through May of 1983, 26 observational visits were made and 80 hours of…

Noting that having fun with language engenders a love of language and an understanding of its power and vitality, and that students with this awareness of and respect for language will likely be more successful writers, this guide offers suggestions that will help teachers ease the rigors of writing for their students and create a "language…

This guide suggests ways in which community volunteers can assist teachers of ESL or develop independent programs where no formal ones are available. The purpose of the guide is to make opportunities known to the volunteer, to clarify the volunteer-professional relationship, suggest patterns of cooperation, help the professional visualize ways in…

The anthropologist sees specific human non-verbal behavior as the medium through which relationships are maintained, regulated, and guided within culturally prescribed patterns. The spoken language, the use of space, eye-contact, smiling, and the use of the hand constitute unique patterns of behavior that are culturally specific and have wide…

Videotaped group work lessons of an elementary school third grade class provide material for study of the non-verbal aspect of group behavior. A system of activity categories is developed and a typology of pupils' working methods in group study distinguishes types and characteristic forms of activity. The following activity categories are used in…

Discourse strategies used by native speakers in a case discussion at a graduate business school are compared to those of nonnative speakers in a similar setting. Differences were found in length and allocation of turns, synchrony of turn exchange, bidding and nomination techniques, and cooperative moves. (Author/LMO)

Studies interaction between classroom teachers and limited English proficient international students. Concludes that student teachers were less successful communicators than their cooperating teachers because the student teachers lacked sociocultural and experiential elements. (FMW)

To advance nuclear plant simulator training, the industry must focus on a more detailed and theoretical approach to conduct of this training. The use of semiotics is one method of refining the existing training and examining ways to diversify and blend it with new theoretical methods. Semiotics is the study of signs and how humans interpret them.…

School-related research is reviewed under seven categories of nonverbal communication: environmental factors, proxemics, kinesics, touching behavior, physical characteristics, paralanguage, and artifacts. (Author/MH)

Research on the effects of teacher expectations on student performance is reviewed. A model is proposed, based on previous research, or, where more speculation is involved, on identifiable hypotheses. (MH)

Suggests college teachers examine their nonverbal expressions (eye contact, voice quality, movement, clothing) and align them to complement verbal expressions. Surveys studies that found teaching effectiveness improved when verbal and nonverbal communication styles corresponded. Reveals how students trusted nonverbal expressions to mirror…

The issue of physical punishment is a particularly controversial one at the moment as child advocates are engaged in a struggle to persuade the New Zealand government to repeal a defence in law (section 59 of the 1961 "Crimes Act") which justifies parents hitting their children provided the force used is "reasonable in the…