Communication Commons^™

Our Basic Course And Communication Skills Training: The Time For Innovation Is Now (Yes, Even In A Pandemic), Suzy Prentiss

Basic Communication Course Annual

Our basic communication courses have always been important for our students. COVID-19 presents us with many challenges as well as opportunities for innovation and reflection. We can now heed the call offered by Joyce et al. in 2019 to match the skills most in demand with those we teach and infuse intentionality and value throughout our courses. As we pivot to online education and digital communication, how can we craft the basic course to provide effective communication skills training in engaging, empowering and impactful ways?

Using The Basic Course To Prepare Digital Natives For New Role As Reverse Mentors, T. Kody Frey, Nicholas T. Tatum, Troy B. Cooper

Basic Communication Course Annual

When Millennials began to enter the workforce in the mid-2000s, employers struggled to engage this indecisive group (i.e., job-hoppers). At the same time, they also battled the threat of a labor shortage due to the impending retirement of an aging baby-boomer workforce (Chaudhuri & Ghosh, 2012). Organizations began to combat both issues by embracing intergenerational learning programs focused on the strengths of each group (Gerpott et al., 2017; Greengard, 2002). One strategy that has proved valuable in popular press and among companies, although fairly absent from academic literature (Kaše et al., 2019; McCann, 2017), is reverse mentoring.

From Ted Talks To Tiktok: Teaching Digital Communication To Match Student Skills With Employer Desires, Ashley A. Hanna Edwards

Basic Communication Course Annual

Digital communication provides an important opportunity for the basic communication course (BCC) to match student skills to employer desires and enhance our curriculum in ways that match our essential competencies. This essay argues that digital communication can be public speaking and incorporating it into the BCC will enhance our ability to meet our core competencies and equip students with the skills employers seek. This recommendation is timely and critical due to the cultural shift of the COVID-19 pandemic and an increased community focus on the merits and costs of digital communication. Incorporating digital communication is essential to the continued relevance …

Basic Course Forum: Section Introduction

Basic Communication Course Annual

No abstract provided.

Managing Graduate Teaching Assistant Misbehaviors: Perspectives Of Basic Course Directors From The Front Porch, Michelle Hershberger

Basic Communication Course Annual

This study explores basic course directors’ (BCDs) perceptions of graduate teaching assistant (GTA) misbehaviors in introductory communication courses. BCDs (N = 30) responded to questions about GTA misbehaviors observed in their roles. BCDs were asked why they perceived communicative acts as misbehaviors, how they managed them, and what they did to proactively address them. Utilizing thematic analysis, participants indicated indolence as the most frequently occurring misbehavior, followed by incompetence and offensiveness. Six categories emerged for why behaviors and actions were perceived as misbehaviors. In response to how GTA misbehaviors were managed, six categories emerged. Five categories emerged for how misbehaviors …

Vocal Fillers, Contagion Effects, And, Um, Overlooked Pedagogical Opportunities In The, Uh, Public Speaking Classroom, W. Benjamin Myers, Theresa A. Wadkins

Basic Communication Course Annual

The current study explores the relationship between social contagion and vocal fillers. An experiment was conducted in which 100 students presented speeches. Prior to presenting their speech, half of the students were exposed to a speech with excessive vocal fillers and half were exposed to a speech with no vocal fillers. Students who heard a speech with excessive vocal fillers used more vocal fillers in their own speech. Students were unaware of this transmission, which further demonstrates the example of social contagion. Social contagion highlights the presence of linguistic communities in public speaking classrooms. The study then provides a review …

Teacher Immediacy Behaviors And Students’ Public Speaking Anxiety: More And Less Helpful Than Anticipated, Beau Foutz, Michelle Violanti, Stephanie Kelly, Suzanne Marie Prentiss

Basic Communication Course Annual

Public speaking anxiety inhibits students in the basic course classroom, whether face-to-face, hybrid or online, and beyond. Equipping instructors with the tools necessary to empower students to manage that anxiety and excel in their basic communication course is a goal of scholars and practitioners. In this study, the researchers examine applying and testing a math anxiety model (i.e., Kelly at al., 2015) to the challenge of public speaking anxiety. We expanded the original model by examining instructor verbal immediate behaviors alongside their nonverbal immediate behaviors. We also tested the Instructional Beliefs Model (IBM; Weber et al., 2011), which indicates that …

Thriving Instead Of Surviving: The Role Of The Reasoned Action Model In Assessing The Basic Course, Michael E. Burns, Kristen L. Farris, Mark Paz, Sean Dyhre

Basic Communication Course Annual

The current study investigates the use of the reasoned action model (Fishbein & Ajzen, 2010) as an assessment tool for the basic communication course. Specifically, this study examines how attitude towards behaviors, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence students’ behavioral intentions to use communication behaviors taught in the basic course outside of class. In addition to the stated variables in the reasoned action model, this study also examines how knowledge gain influences behavioral intention. Data was collected from 2,228 students enrolled in a basic communication course at a large southwestern university, and a random sample of 666 students was …

Regulatory Fit Explains Students’ Emotional Responses To Graded Speech Assignments, Chris R. Sawyer, Delwin E. Richey, Karley A. Goen

Basic Communication Course Annual

Students’ emotional responses often provide valuable indicators of whether they are languishing or flourishing in their first-year classes, including introductory communication courses. Grading often exerts a strong influence on students’ emotions. However, though students generally have positive moods after receiving high marks and negative ones when their grades are low, the intensity of these responses varies considerably. The current study examines whether Higgins’ (2012) regulatory fit theory accounts for students’ differing moods after receiving grades on introductory speech assignments. According to this perspective, prevention focus students use vigilance to avoid adverse outcomes. Thus, low evaluations provide a regulatory fit for …

A Longitudinal Analysis Of Student Learning Gains In Oral Competency, Lynn O. Cooper, Rebecca Border Sietman, John Vessey

Basic Communication Course Annual

Declining enrollments and increased competition for college students have emphasized the need to demonstrate students are learning what we think they are learning. Taking a longitudinal look at speech evaluations from the basic course, this study tracked student learning gains in each rubric area on speeches evaluated between 2009-2019. Using a digital evaluation template called WebGrader (Cooper, 2011), students who had delivered informative (exposition) speeches and persuasive speeches to convince (N = 2,725) were compared, with a separate analysis comparing gains from the informative speech to the persuasive speech to actuate (N = 2,764). The study furthers instrument validation and …

A 14-Year Empirical Analysis Of Undergraduates’ Pre- And Post-Test Scores In Three Introductory Communication Courses: Lessons Learned For Pedagogy And Assessment, Sherwyn P. Morreale, Pamela S. Shockley-Zalabak, Barbara Gaddis, Janice Thorpe M.A., Constance M. Staley, Erica Allgood

Basic Communication Course Annual

Conducting long-term assessment of the impact of students’ participation in introductory communication courses is an important endeavor for enhancing pedagogy and understanding the contribution of communication instruction to the student experience. This 14-year study reports data from a campus-wide assessment program extending from 2004 to 2018. The study analyzed a large sample of undergraduate students’ self-reported pre- and post-test scores on critical variables related to student outcomes in three introductory communication courses. The variables examined were demographic characteristics, self-esteem and communication apprehension in both the public speaking course and the business communication course, and self-esteem and willingness to communicate in …

‘Public Speaking Is A Skill That Everyone Needs No Matter What’: Exploring Peer Perceptions Toward Students On The Autism Spectrum In Basic Course Classrooms, Jill C. Underhill, Victoria Ledford, Hillary M. Adams

Basic Communication Course Annual

The interactive nature of basic communication courses creates an ideal environment for students to form connections with their peers. Unfortunately, when students on the autism spectrum display atypical communication and behaviors, their classmates often reject and isolate them. Basic course programs can change these social dynamics through building connected classrooms and proactively fostering inclusion. Understanding peer perceptions and willingness to engage with autistic students is necessary, as peers play a central role in creating connected classrooms. This investigation explores basic communication course peers’ knowledge of how autism can influence students; peer perceptions of full inclusion of students on the autism …

The Impact Of Communication Center Visits On Students’ Performance And Engagement, Nate S. Brophy, Adebanke Loveth Adebayo, Melissa A. Broeckelman-Post

Basic Communication Course Annual

This study sought to empirically evaluate the extent to which visiting the communication center before delivering the first major speech in an introductory communication course improved students’ academic performance and engagement. A total of 262 students were included in this study, half of whom visited the communication center prior to their first speech, and half of whom did not. Between-subjects MANOVAs showed that students who visited the communication center had significantly higher speech grades, course grades, and attendance than students who did not. Likewise, those who visited the communication center also had higher levels of behavioral and cognitive engagement, but …

Student Perceptions Of Value: A Qualitative Study Of Student Experiences In The Communication Center, Briana M. Stewart, Andie Malterud, Heidi Y. Lawrence, Melissa A. Broeckelman-Post

Basic Communication Course Annual

The goal of this study was to understand student experiences in and perceptions of a new communication center. Researchers conducted 22 semi-structured qualitative interviews with students who visited the communication center and conducted a thematic analysis of the interview transcripts. Overall, the findings suggest that students had positive experiences and indicated some areas for future development. The primary value of communication center lies in the knowledge and perceived credibility of the coaches. The communication center also serves as a unique site for addressing communication apprehension and helping students transfer communication skills to other contexts. To continue to develop, additional resources …

Critical Pedagogy Of Preparation: Structuring Best Practices For Introductory Course Relevance, Daniel M. Chick

Basic Communication Course Annual

In this article, I argue that the public speaking introductory course should follow a pedagogy of preparation. A pedagogy of preparation develops within students a toolkit that has become increasingly necessary for them to become active, compassionate citizens, and to understand what social pressures impact that perception, through the moral and ethical framework of critical communication pedagogy (CCP). To make this case, I propose a theory which structures and legitimizes many existing introductory course practices and, in so doing, articulate a clear narrative of the introductory course’s relevance to students, faculty, and the university. I also outline three goals of …

The Neutrality Myth: Integrating Critical Media Literacy Into The Introductory Communication Course, Meggie Mapes, Lindsey Kraus, Elnaz Parviz, Joshua Morgan

Basic Communication Course Annual

Our current cultural moment requires reflective urgency. COVID-19 has forced a collective pedagogical confrontation with new media’s materiality, and how such materiality intersects with, for example, the public speaking traditions within introductory communication courses. While COVID-19 has spotlighted online-only educational conversations, our disciplinary need to refocus new media introductory course curricular practices pre-dates the pandemic. This essay extends Rhonda Hammer’s (2009) critical media literacy framework into the introductory course, a practice whereby students are empowered to “read, critique, and produce media” rather than be passive consumers. We explore critical media literacy as pedagogically fruitful in identifying and resisting dominant ideologies …

Research Articles: Section Introduction

Basic Communication Course Annual

No abstract provided.

Editor's Page, Brandi N. Frisby

Basic Communication Course Annual

No abstract provided.

Front Cover, Title Page, Contents, Editorial Board

Basic Communication Course Annual

No abstract provided.

Call For Manuscripts, Brandi N. Frisby

Basic Communication Course Annual

No abstract provided.

Advocacy, Mentorship, And Collaboration: Working With Assistant Directors To Enhance And Sustain The Introductory Course, Aubrey A. Huber

Basic Communication Course Annual

This essay responds to the Basic Course Forum question about best practices for recruiting to and/or from the basic course.

Best Practices For Recruiting Students From The Basic Course, Jordan Atkinson, Nicholas T. Tatum

Basic Communication Course Annual

This essay responds to the Basic Course Forum question about best practices for recruiting to and/or from the basic course.

Recruiting And Nurturing A Pipeline Of Future Basic Course Directors, Melissa A. Broeckelman-Post, Cheri J. Simonds

Basic Communication Course Annual

This essay responds to the Basic Course Forum question about best practices for recruiting to and/or from the basic course.

Basic Course Forum: Section Introduction

Basic Communication Course Annual

No abstract provided.

The Importance Of The Basic Communication Course In The First-Year Experience: Implications For Retention, Tim Mckenna-Buchanan, Stevie Munz, Anna Wright, Jeremy Williams

Basic Communication Course Annual

This study examines the basic communication course (BCC) as it relates to students’ first academic year at a university. Specifically, we compared students completing both a first-year experience (FYE) course and BCC against students completing only an FYE course. Data was collected over two cohorts of students and after analytical procedures, we found that there is an association between courses taken (both a FYE course and BCC or just a FYE course) and retention at the university. Additionally, the results revealed that the combination of both a FYE course and BCC during the first-year fostered emotional support and classroom connectedness, …

Facilitating Students’ Motivation In The Basic Communication Course: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective, Jessalyn I. Vallade, Renee Kaufmann, T. Kody Frey

Basic Communication Course Annual

Given that students may not find inherent value in their general education courses, and in particular, the basic communication course (BCC), the current study was aimed at exploring the instructor behaviors that students identify as enhancing their motivation within this context. Specifically, the purpose of the current study was to qualitatively explore instructor behaviors and student motivation in the BCC, specifically through the lens of self-determination theory. Open-ended responses from students currently enrolled in a basic communication course resulted in 28 themes, which were organized by student needs of relatedness, autonomy, and competence. Relatedness themes were most frequently reported, with …

What’S In A Name? Exploring The Definitions Of 'Public' And 'Speaking', Joseph M. Valenzano Iii

Basic Communication Course Annual

The purpose of this essay is more of an intellectual exercise than an attempt at a pragmatic redesign of the basic course. Essentially, I submit that we as a discipline have lost sight of what the phrase “public speaking” actually means and have erroneously and dangerously equated it with simply delivering formal presentations. When the term is broken down into its component parts of “public” and “speaking” it is understood as something much broader, and thus allows for the curricular flexibility forwarded by Hess (2012), West (2012), Valenzano (2013) and Wallace (2015), to name a few. In this essay, I …

Can Course Format Drive Learning? Face-To-Face And Lecture-Lab Models Of The Fundamentals Of Communication Course, Melissa A. Broeckelman-Post, Andie Malterud, Anthony Arciero, Katherine E. Hyatt Hawkins

Basic Communication Course Annual

Combining traditional classroom instruction and online instruction, or hybrid/blended learning, has emerged as a popular option to mitigate rising enrollments and non-traditional student needs while maintaining the known advantages to the face-to-face learning format. We evaluated the effectiveness of a Fundamentals of Communication course (also known as the “hybrid” course) taught in the traditional face-to-face format and in the hybrid/blended learning format, which included the equivalent of one credit taught face-to-face and two credits taught online (graded together as one course).

Students in the blended format had stronger performances in two areas of their speeches (introduction and overall impression), had …

Using Virtual Reality For Speech Rehearsals: An Innovative Instructor Approach To Enhance Student Public Speaking Efficacy, Brandi N. Frisby, Renee Kaufmann, Jessalyn I. Vallade, T. Kody Frey, Joe C. Martin

Basic Communication Course Annual

Basic communication courses (BCCs) are evolving, and technology is a driver of this change. Guided by self-efficacy theory, this study examined the use of virtual reality speaking rehearsals as one technology that instructors can adopt to enhance students’ public speaking efficacy. Students (N = 32) in this study practiced their final informative speeches in virtual reality 360-degree videos. They perceived their efficacy was enhanced in five ways including preparedness, realism, self-awareness, feedback, and comfort level. Conversely, efficacy inhibitors included the lack of presentational aids, technology issues, and lack of audience realism. The results are used to provide practical advice …

Where Do You Turn? Student-Identified Resources In The Basic Course Experience, Sources Of Information, Feedback, And Help-Seeking Behaviors, Ashley Jones-Bodie, Lindsey B. Anderson, Jennifer Hall

Basic Communication Course Annual

This study explored the formal and informal resources students enrolled in a basic communication course use to gather information and receive feedback about their course experience, including presentations and work in the class. To do so, an online survey was completed by 393 students at three universities. The data were analyzed thematically using an iterative process facilitated through NVivo coding software. This process not only allowed for a descriptive summary of the students’ responses and the creation of a typology of resources, but also revealed four emergent themes related to student motivations to seek out and use sources of information/feedback: …