UNIT I

Foundations of Classroom Communication

and Diversity

1 Communication in the Classroom

2 Factors Influencing Learning and Communication



UNIT II

Understanding Diversity

3 Culture and Classroom Communication

4 Gender and Classroom Communication

5 Students with Diverse Learning Needs



UNIT III

Building and Mantaining Communities of Learners in Diverse Classrooms

6 Building Relationships

7 Building and Maintaining Communities of Learners in Diverse Classrooms

8 Positive Behavioral Supports



UNIT IV

Best Practices for Communication in

Diverse Settings

9 Instructional Strategies

10 Technology and Instructional Communication

Classroom Communication and Diversity provides a useful framework for helping both new and experienced teachers and instructors navigate the communication challenges in today’s diverse classroom. It encourages teachers to reflect on how their personal cultures influence their expectations regarding classroom communication. This textbook is distinctive in its distillation of research from numerous sources to provide the best viewpoint and systems for focusing on the needs of the individual learner.

Dana L. Powell and Robert G. Powell draw on research in both the communication and education disciplines, and provide useful strategies for improving teaching practices alongside theoretical models regarding diversity in the classroom. Much of the information found in this text is also inspired by the authors’ direct experience in schools and from the experience they have gleaned from other first-line instructors as well as from parents and children.

Among the many updates to this Third Edition are:


Expanded coverage of students with diverse needs

Discussion on working effectively with parents

Coverage of cultural influences and the impact of race and ethnicity on disciplinary actions

Examination of the role of social media and its impact on instructional communication

The increase of educational technology use.
Teachers and scholars in the communication and education fields will find this text practical and valuable for their teaching efforts, and it is appropriate for instructional communication courses in both disciplines.