Abstract
This study investigated whether there are differences between traditional and nontraditional
students’ expectations of classroom communication. A discriminant analysis was employed to
assess these two groups on linear combinations of six predictor variables, with the results
showing that nontraditional students had stronger preference for lectures and computer-mediated
communication (CMC) and higher learning motivation than did traditional students. A
qualitative analysis of the students’ expectations of exemplary instruction showed that
nontraditional students described exemplary teaching as providing outlines and examples when
lecturing, caring about students’ understanding of the material, and being open to student
questioning, whereas traditional students viewed exemplary teaching as making learning
interesting and giving thorough explanations.