Discusses how the development of communication curricula and content for basic communication courses represents a challenge for the field. Provides: an overview of the historical development of communication curricula as an integral dimension of higher education; recommendations of start points for developing departmental curricula; and resources…

Argues that communication educators as well as those in the education discipline must begin to promote communication training for all teachers. Describes goals, objectives, units, activities, and assignments for a comprehensive communication course for all teachers. (SG)

Shares the authors' instructional practices with colleagues, in hopes of generating ideas for more effective online instruction. Discusses methods of instruction of key courses and communication characteristics in online discussion groups. Concludes that students can learn and demonstrate their learning through online discussion. (SG)

Suggests "Woman Under the Influence" is an excellent film for teaching key concepts in family communication. Explains systems theory as it applies to transactions within the family. Extends the theory to the analysis of the spousal relationship in the film from the perspective of interactional communication, dramatically illustrating the…

Describes the Public Speaking Portfolio, a pedagogical tool for encouraging active reflection in the public speaking classroom. Describes its content and form, discusses how it is assessed, and presents survey results measuring students' perceptions of the portfolio's effectiveness in the classroom. Examines the unique challenges of portfolio use…

Explains a project, which involves creating a book using digital images. Notes that teachers can create books with samples of their work. Provides other suggestions for using this project, such as teaching scanning, creating a photo portfolio as a semester exam project, or creating introduction pieces for yearbook or newspaper staffers. (PM)

Proposes that beginning journalism classes teach multiple skills, including law, decision-making, interpersonal communication, interviewing, and critical thinking. Outlines how to convince administrators of the need for beginning journalism classes, and how to develop an effective class. Lists philosophy and course goals for one such class. (PM)

Offers a foundation for presenting communication technologies to undergraduate and graduate students that overcomes prevalent obstacles to their grasping and using computer-mediated communication for research and learning. Describes three goals to be met by such instruction; outlines three instructional units, including activities and suggested…

Presents 23 photographs and discusses techniques used in taking each photo. Considers the aperture, depth of field, shutter speed, film type, exposures, equivalent exposure, and lenses. Presents an exercise worksheet for students to fill out incorporating these techniques. (SG)

Presents four short articles addressing diversity including a 3-step "Time Out" learning activity. Considers how true diversity in coverage means that all types of students are included in all types of stories in school publications. Notes that having a diverse publications staff is a way to ensure more accurate coverage of all groups of students.…

Presents 24 recipes that can be prepared quickly. Includes sample restaurant reviews from student newspapers; advice on photographing food for student publications; a classroom exercise on food terminology; guidelines for food critics; and comments from professional journalists on writing restaurant reviews and critiquing food. (RS)

Explains how the news story surrounding the Watergate events led not only to the resignation of President Nixon but also to one of journalism's greatest triumphs. Presents a Watergate timeline with 25 events. Gives three exercises to accompany the study of the journalism side of the Watergate events and to compare the movie, "All The President's…

Argues that writing for the media is utilitarian (not formal) writing, and that slang is acceptable when it conveys meaning. Argues that student journalists need to learn how to analyze slang so they know when to use it and when to avoid it. Offers advice for teachers, and includes two exercises for students on slang. (SR)

Describes how photo credits (identifying the photographer for each photo) promote responsibility, help motivate students, and establish credibility for the publication. (SR)

Discusses results of a survey of Nebraska high school journalism teachers, their use of technology and their attitudes towards it. Discusses concerns about balancing technology and its uses and demands with the teaching of good writing and good journalism practices. Discusses negative scanners, buying a digital camera, and new image-editing…