To develop better communication with students, English teachers must acquaint themselves with the interests of teenagers and use these interests to establish a common ground of discussion. Movement toward such a dialogue can be started by radical teaching techniques that bridge the gap between the immediate concerns of the students and important academic lessons. Songs by Simon and Garfunkle and the Beatles can be analyzed in a study of metaphysical conceits or of figurative language in general; protest and political songs by Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, or Phil Ochs take up values relevant to a social studies class. A large supply of both favorite and unknown magazines covering a wide range of subjects can alert students to the problems of presenting information in a periodical publication. They can select one magazine and do an in-depth study of its structure, function, and format. Newspapers can teach students about viewpoint, conciseness, and tone; and the short stories printed in such contemporary magazines as "Playboy" and "Esquire" can supplement traditional literary offerings. Comedy records by Nichols and May, Bill Cosby, and Flip Wilson, while bringing relaxation into the classroom can be used to teach more about comedy and the effects of satire than can traditional teaching approaches. (LH)