Public Speaking and Civic Engagement: Comments

Comment on "Outstanding Guide for Using the DVD that Accompanies the Textbook"

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:07:10 -0500

Wow, what nice comments! It's great to see somebody who really appreciates what we've tried to do here--create a more substantive, more engaging public speaking textbook at an affordable price! And I swear I didn't bribe Professor King to say all these nice things!

Mike Hogan

- Mike HOGAN

Comment on "Outstanding Guide for Using the DVD that Accompanies the Textbook"

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:26:12 -0500

I currently use "Public Speaking and Civic Engagement" in my public speaking class. The clear and thoughtful writing, the thematic coherence (civic engagement, citizenship), the vivid and memorable examples, the blend of theory and practice, and the ancillaries make this book a cut above the rest. I am particularly impressed with the Instructor's Manual and Test Bank. There is simply no better manual out there. The manual provides an in-depth chapter by chapter guide that includes chapter summaries, discussion items and inventive class exercises. The manual also contains sample syllabi, a long list of instructional strategies, and a whole section on directing the basic course. The test items (multiple-choice, short answer and essay) will definitely "test" your students' command of the material. I should also point out the price of the book ($52.00) is lower than virtually any other public speaking textbook in print. In all, I urge instructors to take a close look at "Public Speaking and Civic Engagement." You will like what you see.

Stephen A. King
Professor of Communication
Delta State University

- Stephen King

Comment on "The American Democracy Project"

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:44:51 -0500

Even if your school is not part of the ADP, of course, you can still do a variety of service projects, many of which make a significant contribution with little time or money. Here's one example, featuring a student organization I advise.

Student group helps the community
http://semissourian.com/article/20080828/BLOGS0105/808289975

--Glen Williams

- glen williams

Comment on "Welcome!"

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 08:25:04 -0500

When you comment, you'll be asked to sign in OR comment anonymously. The "sign in" is just for users on the Penn State computer network. All others should "comment anonymously," although when you choose that option, it still asks for your name and email. So you can use your real name, or you can really comment "anonymously" by using an online pseudonym. You also don't HAVE to leave an URL. I know, kind of confusing.

- Mike HOGAN

Comment on "Preparing Future Faculty"

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:28:22 -0500

One of the best developed PFF programs in the country is offered by the Department of Communication and Culture at Indiana University-Bloomington. In its early years (beginning in 2000-2001), the program was funded by a $20,000 grant from NCA and a matching grant from the University Graduate School. This funding supported conferences, the development of collaborative relationships with carefully chosen partner institutions, and curriculum development.

Every graduate student in the CMCL department is required to take a foundational course in pedagogy. They also work closely with course directors who provide course-specific teacher training and development, including classroom observations. The department is committed to giving students a wide array of teaching experiences. Toward that end, most teach three or more courses throughout their graduate careers. They also have special opportunities to develop their own courses and teach them during summer sessions or in conjunction with the University's Collins Living-Learning Center.

The centerpiece of the PFF program is the Certificate of Pedagogy. Those students who elect to complete the certificate will take the foundational pedagogy course, a pedagogy practicum, and an advanced pedagogy seminar.They also must take a one-hour written exam in pedagogy.

For more complete information about this PFF program, go to: http://www.indiana.edu/~cmcl/grad.htm

Patricia Hayes Andrews
Professor Emeritus, Indiana University-Bloomington

- Patricia Hayes Andrews