Education Commons^™

Making The Case For The Basic Communication Course In General Education, Kristina Ruiz-Mesa, Melissa A. Broeckelman-Post

Basic Communication Course Annual

Authors were asked to prepare an essay as if they were writing a letter to their dean (whose academic training was in another discipline) who (1) asked that enrollment in each basic course section be increased to a level that compromises the pedagogy of the basic course or (2) proposed that the required basic communication course be eliminated from the university’s general education program.

In this essay, the authors discuss the academic, career, and social benefits stemming from strong effective communication skills.

Taking Interest In Students’ Disinterest: Best Practices For Mitigating Amotivation In The Basic Course, Electra Gilchrist-Petty

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

As a general education requirement, basic communication course instructors are afforded the unique opportunity to reach a variety of students. Because many students often are enrolled in the basic communication course out of necessity, student amotivation can transform what should be a dynamic and interactive classroom experience into a daunting challenge that stifles the pedagogical process. To assist in engaging students, 10 best practices for mitigating amotivation in the basic course are presented. By following these best practices, instructors can help cultivate a more engaged and interactive classroom experience for both themselves and their students.