This essay presents a critical commentary on McCroskey et al.'s (2004) general model of instructional communication. In particular, five points are examined which make explicit and problematize the meta-theoretical assumptions of the model. Comments call attention to the limitations of the model and argue for a broader approach to…

Teachers may be hemmed in by the latest pedagogical fashions or they may be held by strict adherence to the latest research dogmas. Both of these can constitute an iron entrapment, the vice of the sages. (Author)

Discusses the problem of defining "open" school programs; reviews four instruments (Walberg and Thomas rating scale and teacher questionnaire, Barth Scale, Dimensions of Schooling questionnaire, and the Personal Record of School Experience) that can access the degree of openness of schools; also makes recommendations for further research. (DS)

Examines and criticizes current short-range strategies that teachers use to solve classroom concerns. Describes a form of action research based on experience in teacher education and suggests its use by superintendents, principals, and teachers to yield long-range answers to classroom problems. (SB)