Offers some insights on how to maximize the research methods course, such that students will take from the course a meaningful learning experience as opposed to a short-term exercise on memorizing terms and, ideally, administrators who review the course will recognize communication as an academic discipline rich in theory and methodology. (SG)

Argues that reform advocates have not appreciated adequately the dynamics of professional socialization that predispose college students to resist public (or "civic") journalism. Proposes an instruction strategy based on a model of "civic-oriented autonomy" which promotes public journalism goals while preserving autonomy and recasting it as…

Proposes abandoning the traditional auto mechanic metaphor for teaching news writing (which establishes the teacher's expertise at the expense of the student's learning) in favor of a dialogic method. Argues that dialogic learning that is double looped creates learning advantages for students, and models the social inquiry process of journalism.…

Presents a list of 13 films that faculty might wish to consider for use in conjunction with journalism classes. Gives a brief description of each film, the running time, and directors and producing studios for the record. Notes how images are something modern students can relate to comfortably and hopes faculty can use this technology to stimulate…

Proposes a change in the way creativity is taught in journalism design classes. Suggests pedagogical strategies that incorporate creativity research into the journalism design curriculum. Proposes a curriculum that is empirically based rather than anecdotal, and one that demystifies creativity and offers students specific techniques and practice…

Describes a technique for using e-mail and the World Wide Web to teach an introductory media writing course online. Surveys students' attitudes toward the technique and evaluates the technique's effectiveness in helping students learn. Finds that participating students rated the course highly enjoyable and convenient, and substantial majorities…

Suggests strategies for computer-assisted reporting which students and professionals can apply to a database that they want to analyze. Identifies 13 such strategies, giving an example of each, pointing out some keys to selecting each strategy, and suggesting software most appropriate for carrying out each strategy. (SR)

Considers some challenges of teaching public journalism. Discusses how journalism educators can help students prepare for a career in the service of public life by teaching them how to actively involve citizens in the journalistic processes of gathering information, writing stories, and evaluating performance. Offers teaching applications and…

Shows how a reasonably thorough understanding of risk reporting can be taught in a basic environmental reporting course by applying S. Klaidman's (1990) "Reasonable Reader" approach. Discusses what risk reporting is and what its biases are. Outlines the environmental course, the teaching of risk reporting, and the "Reasonable Reader" model.…

Argues that one way to learn the art of concise, tightly-structured, focused prose is through the composing of 55-word short stories. Outlines stylistic characteristics of 55-word stories and discusses how its practice can improve journalistic writing. (SR)

Offers an overview of key concepts within hypertext research, discussing its relevance to the theories and practices of journalism. Surveys recent books and articles on new technologies in journalism. Describes a university reporting and writing course that responds to the fundamental challenges of hypertext to contemporary journalism. Examines…

Describes a focus group exercise used with advertising creative- and strategy-development students that was designed to cultivate awareness of the ethnic consumers' purchase-decision process. Offers an overview of the project's stages, describes the assignment, and notes that members of the original-product focus group also reviewed students'…

Describes how the author taught a class (called "Editing for Broadcasting") for 19 neophyte newspeople through total immersion: students learned how to run a newsroom while operating one. Notes that students learned the principles and fundamentals of broadcast journalism, including news judgment, writing, editing, reporting, and producing, and…

Describes a research assignment (called "photo-elicitation") in a graduate course on the role of photography in society in which students interview people similar to the subjects in the photographs to discover how the photographs affect them. Includes material from one research project interviewing three recovering drug addicts responding to Larry…

Offers a blueprint that instructors of mass media theory courses can adopt to expose students to racially inclusive research in order to encourage students to explore and employ relevant theories when probing media and race questions. Offers examples of inclusive media research, examining six prominent theories: selective-perception theory,…