Higher Education *School Orientation; *Speech Communication; *Speech Instruction

In response to demographic changes among entering college students, more and more colleges are offering freshman orientation courses that have come to be known as "College 101. " At Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, a course called COL 101 was begun in 1985. A survey of teachers of the course investigated speech or oral communication exercises included in the COL 101 classes. The exercises fit into three categories: individual speaking (which included group presentations); "interpersonal " types of exercises (such as ice breakers, confidence builders, and free discussion); and "speeches " (often more reports than speeches). All of these exercises rely on creative methods to involve the new student with subject matter and the skills to present it. Speech communication instructors can make unique contributions to the freshman orientation course and could offer their services to campus orientation organizers. A "swap shop " discussion of effective suggestions, helpful critique sheets, or discussion leadership could assist freshman orientation courses at every level. (SR) * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document.