Reported here is a two-year study of the use of a speech-output communication device, coupled with naturalistic language intervention, to facilitate language development of school-age children with severe mental retardation. Subjects were 13 children. The first section (chapters 1-4) outlines a conceptual framework for the project, gives an…

This paper reviews experimental research on the pedagogical effects of three immediate instruction programs in oral communication. Formative evaluations indicate that students enjoyed the level-III interactive video instruction (IVI) programs. Results of an immediate posttest, delayed posttest, control group design indicate that the IVI program…

This pilot study examined the communication apprehension (CA) in the student public speaking population, specifically the high risk Mexican American students, at the University of Texas, Pan American. The study also measured the effectiveness of the beginning speech class and the optional speech lab on CA and grade performance. Both high and low…

Noting that one model for providing programs and individualized support to at-risk students is the oral communication laboratory, this paper describes the research and development of pilot programs within the laboratory setting for students at-risk at a four-year academic institution. The paper begins with a brief review of literature, a…

The National Issues Forum model, a series of community based public discussions on key domestic issues, may be a partial solution to the "human gap" between growing complexity and a capacity to deal with it, by exemplifying "innovative learning." To engage in innovative learning, characterized by anticipation and participation,…

In response to severe budget restrictions and a shortage of qualified graduate students, a basic speech communications course instituted three innovations: use of undergraduate teaching assistants, contiguous scheduling of lecture and breakdown rooms, and the publication of a textbook supplement with detailed activity guidelines and examples. With…

The content of a good speech writing course includes an explanation of the function and impact of speech writers, an examination of speeches produced by professional writers, and a focus on the sharpening of students' writing skills. The content must also be balanced between the practical/professional and the abstract/academic aspects of the…

One of a series of activity guides, this publication offers a variety of learning activities and resource materials to help teachers and students celebrate special days and events in autumn. The activities and resources are especially designed to develop communications skills of students in grades 4-8; however, they are easily transferable to…

Intended for use by educators of preservice speech communications teachers, this description of a methods course is geared towards high school and college level pedagogy. The philosophy of the guide rejects the typical textbook style, in which generalizations are given to students as unqualified positive statements rather than made objects of…

To make introducing logic to college students in speech and expository writing classes more interesting, letters to the editor can be used to teach logical fallacies. Letters to the editor are particularly useful because they give students a sense of the community they live in (issues, concerns, and the spectrum of opinion), they are easily…

This series of five booklets is intended to assist principals and teachers in Tasmania in planning a broad-based continuous program of speech and drama throughout primary and lower secondary classes. The material contained within the booklets has been arranged and presented to emphasize the basic concepts and skills which are inherent in a speech…

In the early 1970s, the Speech Communication Association, with the support of a grant from the Axe-Houghton Foundation, sponsored the National Project on Speech Communication Competencies. The final report of that project was published in 1976 by the National Textbook Company under the title "Developing Communication Competence in…

A study explored (1) the types of teacher oral feedback statements student speakers identify as helpful in improving their speeches, and (2) the types of oral feedback they identify as making them feel either good or bad about their speaking abilities. The student speakers--two female graduate students and a female graduate teaching…

Defining general semantics as the study of words or symbols and their effects on human behavior, this paper proposes a general semantics approach to the teaching of style in college introductory speech courses. The paper cites results of a 1980 survey of basic speech course content and emphases, showing that while most courses devote a great deal…

The philosophy, objectives, and assignments and projects of Ohio University's introductory course in organizational communication and its practicum in organizational communication are described in this paper. After presenting a brief overview of the undergraduate curriculum at the university and its relation to organizational communications, the…