If dramatic characters are to be rendered "three dimensional" in performance, both the dramatist and the actor/interpreter must create them with proper attention to the physical, sociological, and psychological aspects of character. If oral interpreters understand these dimensions of a particular character, they can analyze such elements as…

This study examined the usefulness of an evaluation procedure designed to measure performance in spoken English. Rating involved assessment of the prose reading and conversation skills of 57 first-year students at Wellington Teachers' College, New Zealand. Specific topics of investigation included the consistency of "general impression" ratings…

The work of Harold E. Palmer during his stay in Japan from 1922 to 1936 is described. The focus is mainly on his oral method, a contribution which influenced English teaching in Japan. (Author/SW)

A description of the use made by a college teacher in Germany of films in his language classes. Students provided the dialogue for silent films during class. Films were also used in this way for testing speaking ability. Motivation was high. It seemed to be successful as a testing technique. (AMH)

Language instructors at one college devised a program to increase oral proficiency in language students. An oral proficiency test was developed to measure student performance. Results show that since the proficiency test has been required, students make more efforts to increase these skills through study, conversation and language laboratory use.…

A classroom "Whiz Quiz," patterned after a television academic game show, was conducted by students in a college German class. The game was conducted entirely in German and sample questions are reproduced here. (CHK)

A French Language Teaching Project at the University of Bradford, England, was developed and revised during the early 1970's. Main aims were integration of language activities, restructuring activities to emphasize language skills in which students were deficient, examining roles of audio equipment and determining student attitudes. The program is…

Assesses the advantages of computer-based instruction on speech education. Concludes that, while it offers tremendous flexibility to the instructor--especially in dynamic lesson design, feedback, graphics, and artificial intelligence--there is no inherent advantage to the use of computer technology in the classroom, unless the student interacts…

Reports on a study into the use of three classroom communication techniques in an upper-level crop physiology course. Results indicated that three-fourths of all previous students wished their college coursework had offered more opportunities for public speaking. (TW)

Examines an integrative approach for teaching communicative competence among first-year students learning a second language (Spanish). Results of the study indicate that those students who participated in regularly scheduled individual interviews with the instructors improved their oral communication skills considerably more than those who did…

Discusses the relevance of teaching "Survival Spanish" at the community college level for those students whose careers will require an understanding of the language. In addition, many professionals in the human/community service or medical fields are enrolling in such courses, in order to more competently serve the changing needs of…

A college English teacher laments her students' incorrect use of common expresssions. (RBW)

Reports on two sessions of "Intensive Language Groups," held at a Teachers' College (Dortmund) for German students. Reports specifically on deviations from standard English which appeared, in semantics, grammar and pronunciation, and comments on the students' inability to carry on conversations involving unfamiliar, abstract vocabulary. (IFS/WGA)

A study examined public speaking textbooks from the early 1900s to the present time with regard to two major questions: (1) "Have the authors emphasized the link between public speaking skills and the ability of each student to become effective members of society?"; and (2) "To what extent have public speaking texts used the need…

Describes a program that gives psychology students practice in written and oral communication. It involves students in writing an abstract of a journal article and in making an oral presentation. Writing and speaking skills, along with methodology, may be the most enduring legacy of introductory psychology courses. (CS)