Reports on a study showing how the achievement of bilingual learners can be raised within a classroom context and within the framework of the National Curriculum. Shows how to stimulate a wide variety of language activities, including those concerning different styles and structures, audience awareness, vocabulary, and the exploration of…

The mnemonic device "ATOMIC" refers to course and lesson design elements that can help make college teaching more effective. It highlights the importance of these design components: audience, arena, ambience, topic, theme, title, objectives, message, methods, materials, involvement, close, and check-up. (MSE)

Reviews the effect of research into the writing process on British English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) pedagogy and considers what is meant by process writing. The article offers recommendations for improving writing tasks in coursebooks to practice and develop students' skills needed at each stage of the writing process. (12 references)…

Three experiments examined 6- to 11-year-olds' judgments about appropriate self-descriptions in front of different audiences. Findings indicated that only older children differentiated between an unfamiliar peer and unfamiliar adult audience in selecting one of two self-descriptive statements. Even the youngest children differentiated between…

This case study of the collaborative design of an earth science World Wide Web page at Pennsylvania State University highlights the role of librarians. Discusses the original Web site and links, planning, the intended audience, and redesign and recommended changes; and considers the potential contributions of librarians. (LRW)

Discusses how students of both sexes in a third-grade class used popular culture to scaffold their stories--they (1) aimed at audience reaction, often using argument and shock; (2) incorporated their favorite writers and curricular topics into their pieces; and (3) by year's end, merged the talents of both genders into a higher form of literacy.…

Focuses on three issues involved in successfully preparing a performance program for elementary school students: (1) know the students, the other teachers, and the audience (specifically parents); (2) understand how to select programs that are appropriate; and (3) be aware of your limitations as the teacher. Includes program ideas for elementary…

Examines the differences in how Black and White viewers process messages based on the race of television characters representing five occupations. Notes that findings from male college students suggest that Black viewers have better recall of Black occupational characters than White characters on television. Reveals evidence that both Black and…

Investigates the similarities and differences in cognitive processing during reading and writing activities as reported in the think-aloud protocols of an above-average and a below-average student. Concludes that the above-average student reported more behaviors and more behaviors that facilitated meaning-making than the below-average student. (RS)

Studies the development of a political ideology that draws on the resources of myth. Analyzes how Pat Robertson's concepts of apocalyptic fulfillment provided an ideological basis for his 1988 presidential campaign, but resulted in significant rhetorical problems. Finds that the transformation in Robertson's apocalyptic vision stemmed from his…

Proposes and analyzes Video Audience Simulation Technique (VAST), an electronic instructional aid related to video robotics, used to simulate audiences for public speakers, providing realistic speech rehearsal, instructor control of audience feedback to facilitate learning, and portrayal of specialized audiences unavailable in normal instructional…

Examines three writing assignment variables--topic, purpose, and audience--to determine how writing prompts affect student performance in grades 7, 9, and 11, and in college freshmen. Finds these variables influenced writing quality at different grades in different ways; generally, specific purpose and topic cues produced better essays. (SR)

Techniques in using readership surveys to boost the effectiveness and acceptance of a college publication, particularly those intended for faculty and alumni, are outlined. Steps include planning the research, selecting survey participants, drafting a questionnaire, designing a survey package, monitoring response, and reviewing and presenting…

Listening is an important part of presenting. An optimum learning environment is one in which individuals participate fully without pretense in the presentation experience. The article explores why listening is so important, offers tips for the best ways to listen to audience members, and examines how not to listen. (SM)

First-year law students' writing would improve if students were encouraged and inspired by upbeat, practical pedagogical techniques and internalized notions of audience and purpose from the first day of class. By borrowing from journalism education, law schools could produce lawyers who are better communicators. (MSE)