Research indicates that the quality of teacher-student communication and interaction has a significant impact on student achievement. Areas in which effective communication strategies can be used include teaching methods, classroom management, and the emotional climate of the classroom. The most effective teaching method is "direct teaching" in which the teacher-student interaction is structured and academically focused. In direct teaching, the teacher informs the student of the goal, guides the student in recall of previous learning, interacts in a question-response-feedback pattern, and provides activities which enable mastery. In classroom management, communication strategies for the teacher which contribute to achievement include emphasizing an academic focus, making objectives clear, and directing activities. An effective emotional climate is established when the students' self-concepts are good, when they are provided with tasks which have a high probability of success, and when an orderly classroom is maintained. The final section of this document lists resource materials which can be helpful in implementing these strategies. (DC)