Using the split-span technique in which auditory stimuli are presented in various combinations to the right and left ears, two studies were designed to examine the preferences of subjects as to their mode of recall, to assess the accuracy of such recall, and to look at possible sex differences in both the preferences and the accuracy. A total of…

The object of this study was to measure videotape recorded playbacks as a variable in mastery of a basic speech course in an experimental college program for low income underachieving students. The beginning speech course is required of all these students in the Experiment in Higher Education at Southern Illinois University. Experimental and…

This study compared self-ratings of speech intelligibility with measured speech intelligibility for 200 college students who were deaf or hard of hearing. Student responses to questions on a self-perception speech questionnaire were analyzed and compared with measured speech intelligibility estimates derived by a transcription procedure. The study…

A study examined the differential grading that occurs in the basic speech communication classroom and attempted to identify predictors for the differences in the grades that male and female students receive. Subjects, 47 women and 48 men enrolled in the same lecture section of a basic communication course at a small private midwestern college,…

The comprehension performance of Standard English (SE) and Black English (BE) speakers associated with language materials distinguished by segmental and suprasegmental features of black dialect was investigated. Also assessed was the nature of comprehension improvement on these materials by SE speakers who had been systematically exposed to black…

A method of testing student pronunciation involves recording a poem. Students transcribe the words they mispronounced in phonetic script and have it checked by the tutor. The phonetics tutorial is required by first-year students majoring in English who are not native speakers. (SW)

Presents research rating the speaking proficiency on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language Oral Proficiency Interview of 40 college French students at four different levels of study. The data show a significant, positive relationship between level of proficiency and level of study. (Author/CB)

This article discusses the history and benefits of debating as an educational technique, then discusses a five-year study of the use of student debates in a senior-level college marketing course. Students reported that debates both enhanced their learning and improved their speaking skills. (MDM)

This paper outlines the development of a performance assessment measure of language speaking ability, the Language Ability Assessment System (LAAS), which is highly reliable and can be examined for reliability through modern measurement theories, such as generalizability theory (G-theory) and the many-facet Rasch theory. LAAS was developed to…

Linguistic needs of non-linguist students of Belgian universities are assessed; skills that should be taught and approaches to use are discussed. The needs are twofold: scholastic and professional. Skills should be reading comprehension and oral and written knowledge. Approaches should be comprehensive. (SC)

A study was conducted at Milwaukee Area Technical College to determine if a relationship could be established between improvement in speaking and listening intelligibility and the deliberate structuring of a semiformal atmosphere in communication classes. Students with ACT composite scores below 13 were offered courses specially designed to remedy…

This study examined the efficacy of utilizing a learner centered approach in combination with a curriculum built upon video materials within a Taiwanese university English as a Second Language classroom. It investigated how the combination of these two teaching methods would affect students' motivation, listening performance, oral performance, and…

Describes the experiential learning sequence of a required senior-level natural science and environmental studies course; the role of a technical communication consultant contracted to conduct a needs assessment for improving the students' technical communications skills; and the consultant's results and recommendations. (MDH)

Understanding the behavior of those evaluating a speech is important for a complete understanding of the public communication process. Ratings of public speaking were submitted to a Rasch analysis to determine whether objective measurement can create and maintain a standard of speech evaluation. Data used were 1,022 ratings of 168 speeches given…

Although research in the area of communication apprehension (CA) has been extensive, little of it has attempted to identify the regularity and intensity of the nonverbal stress behaviors associated with CA. Additionally, most CA research has concentrated on the problem in North American settings. To extend the boundaries of CA research, a study…