“Cool” Communication in the Classroom: A Preliminary Examination of Student Perceptions of Instructor Use of Positive Slang

Abstract

This study explored participants' perceptions of instructor use of positive slang (e.g., “cool,” “awesome,” “sweet”) and its perceived impact on the classroom environment and teacher's credibility, as well as the rules governing its usage. Participants viewed a video of a positive slang-using teacher and then responded to several open-ended survey questions. The results demonstrate that students generally appreciate teacher use of positive slang and cite the potential benefits of its usage. Implications of teacher use of positive slang are discussed.

Keywords:

• Classroom Communication
• Communication Accommodation Theory
• Slang

Acknowledgments

This article is part of the first author's master's thesis, which was co-directed by the second author. The authors wish to acknowledge Mark E. Comadena, Cheri J. Simonds, Brent K. Simonds, and John R. Baldwin for their comments on earlier versions of this manuscript. Please address all correspondence to the first author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joseph P. Mazer

Joseph P. Mazer (MS, Illinois State University, 2006) is a Doctoral Candidate in the School of Communication Studies, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701. E-mail: [email protected].

Stephen K. Hunt

Stephen K. Hunt (PhD, Southern Illinois University, 1998) is Associate Professor, Carnegie Foundation Political Engagement Scholar, and Associate Director of the School of Communication, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4480. E-mail: [email protected].