Communications

A graduate of the Secondary Education/Communications program will be able to:

Understand the nature and functions of the communication process.

a. Develop an understanding of encoding and decoding and an appreciation of the possibilities for misunderstanding within the communication process. b. Demonstrate an appreciation for the importance of non-verbal communication and an ability to use non-verbal techniques effectively in the classroom.

Understand the way children learn a language and develop communication skills.

a. Understand the principles and developmental steps of linguistic acquisition.

b. Demonstrate an ability to identify special problems of language learning in students who are bilingual or otherwise disadvantaged.

Understand the historical development of the English language.

a. Have knowledge of major current theories about the origins and nature of language.

b. Be able to chart the chronological development of the English language.

c. Employ selected instruments in the classroom to acquaint students with historical development of the English language.

Understand present characteristics of the English Language.

a. Be acquainted with several approaches to the study of English grammar.

b. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of at least two methods of teaching grammar.

c. Have awareness of various American regional dialects and their socio-economic implications.

d. Be able to demonstrate that American English is a changing, dynamic language.

Understand and appreciate representative works from a variety of literature.

a. Be able to read the different literary genres analytically and critically.

b. Be aware of the historical development of literature.

c. Be able to utilize the comparative method in the study and teaching of literature.

d. Be aware of several ways of looking at literature (historical, psychological, sociological, philosophical, political) and employ these approaches to literature appropriately. e. Be able to relate literature to the social conditions of the times.

Listen, observe, and speak effectively in a variety of situations, and to enhance literary study through skillful oral reading.

a. Be able to communicate with acceptable diction, voice quality, and projection.

b. Be able to dramatize and interpret literature through effective oral reading.

c. Exhibit a proper usage of standard American spoken English.

d. Employ effective techniques for facilitating listening comprehension (illustration, repetition, emphasis, synthesis).

Write effectively and to teach others to write for different purposes under varying circumstances.

a. Demonstrate proficiency in writing expository prose and demonstrate skill in at least one type of professional writing.

b. Be able to find, use, and evaluate critical material.

c. Demonstrate the ability to help students evaluate critical materials.

d. Be able to construct outlines for various specified purposes. e. Demonstrate ability to devise writing assignments for a variety of purposes. f. Be able to correct papers efficiently and to help students identify their writing strengths and weaknesses. g. Be able to assess accurately and realistically, students' achievements in written expression, appropriate for developmental stages. h. Demonstrate ability to create a learning environment which encourages creative expression in writing and related arts.

Identify and help students correct reading disabilities.

a. Be able to identify reading problems among pupils. b. Be able to identify different levels of reading ability and select or prepare appropriate instructional materials. c. Be familiar with the roles and responsibilities of agencies and specialists who can provide support services. Analyze and use non-print media and to foster students' critical appreciation of non-print media. a. Be able to analyze and interpret the unique feature of non-print media and help students develop critical ability.

b. Be able to produce and effectively use non-print materials in teaching.