Preview

Journal of Employment and Career

Advanced search

Oral Academic Communication in the Development of Professionally Oriented Competencies of Students

https://doi.org/10.56414/jeac.2023.3.41

Abstract

Introduction: Oral academic communication plays a crucial role in the educational process, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and the development of professional competencies among students. However, the perception and significance of these skills are not sufficiently studied among students at different levels of education.

Purpose: The study aims to explore students' understanding of academic communication, their awareness of the significance of oral academic communication, the identification of its types, and the factors that, according to students, influence its effectiveness.

Materials and Methods: The study involved 173 students from the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics at the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, including 53 undergraduates, 61 master’s students, and 59 PhD students. Data were collected using surveys and focus group interviews to explore students' perceptions of oral academic communication.

Results: The results showed that students at all levels perceive oral academic communication as a process of exchanging scientific information and knowledge, associating it mainly with presentations, reports, and scientific discussions. However, many students do not consider that academic communication also includes educational interactions. Key factors determining the effectiveness of oral communication were identified as knowledge exchange, structuring of thoughts, and audience adaptation.

Conclusion: The study revealed the need to expand educational programs aimed at developing oral academic communication, taking into account its various forms and aspects. The results emphasize the importance of integrating more interactive and adaptive teaching methods aimed at developing comprehensive professional skills in students.

About the Author

Marina A. Ivanova
RUDN Universiry
Russian Federation


References

1. Раицкая Л.К., & Тихонова Е.В. (2018). Soft skills в представлении преподавателей и студентов российских университетов в контексте мирового опыта. Вестник РУДН. Серия: Педагогика и психология, 15(3), 350-363. https://doi.org/10.22363/2313-1683-2018-15-3-350-363

2. Abdulrahaman, M. D., Faruk, N., Oloyede, A. A., Surajudeen-Bakinde, N. T., Olawoyin, L. A., Mejabi, O. V., Imam-Fulani, Y. O., Fahm, A. O., & Azeez, A. L. (2020). Multimedia tools in the teaching and learning processes: A systematic review. Heliyon, 6(11), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05312

3. Al Fadda, H. (2012). Difficulties in Academic Writing: From the Perspective of King Saud University Postgraduate Students. English Language Teaching, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v5n3p123

4. Barker, M., Child, C., Gallois, C., Jones, E., & Callan, V. J. (1991). Difficulties of overseas students in social and academic situations. Australian Journal of Psychology, 43(2), 79-84. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049539108259104

5. Briguglio, C. (2000). Language and cultural issues for English-as-a-second/foreign language students in transnational educational settings. Higher Education in Europe, 25(3), 425-434. https://doi.org/10.1080/713669286

6. Cheng, L., Myles, J., & Curtis, A. (2004). Targeting language support for non-native English-speaking graduate students at a Canadian university. TESL Canada Journal, 21(2), 50-71. https://doi.org/10.18806/tesl.v21i2.174

7. Deeson, E. (2004). Interactive learning systems evaluation. British Journal of Educational Technology, 35(2), 249–250. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0007-1013.2004.386_4.x

8. Ferris, D. (1998). Students’ Views of Academic Aural/Oral Skills: A Comparative Needs Analysis. TESOL Quarterly, 32(2), 289. https://doi.org/10.2307/3587585

9. Ferris, D., & Tagg, T. (1996). Academic Oral Communication Needs of EAP Learners: What Subject-Matter Instructors Actually Require. TESOL Quarterly, 30(1), 31. https://doi.org/10.2307/3588145

10. Fong, C. J., Schallert, D. L., Williams, K. M., Williamson, Z. H., Warner, J. R., Lin, S., & Kim, Y. W. (2018). When feedback signals failure but offers hope for improvement: A process model of constructive criticism. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 30, 42–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2018.02.014

11. Jackson, V. A., & Back, A. L. (2011). Teaching communication skills using role-play: an experience-based guide for educators. Journal of palliative medicine, 14(6), 775–780. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2010.0493

12. Kim, S. H. (2006). Academic oral communication needs of East Asian international graduate students in non-science and non-engineering fields. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 5(3), 238-252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2005.10.001

13. Kumar, S., & Hsiao, J. K. (2007). Engineers Learn “Soft Skills the Hard Way”: Planting a Seed of Leadership in Engineering Classes. Leadership and Management in Engineering, 7(1), 18–23. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)1532-6748(2007)7:1(18)

14. Lee, B., Farruggia, S. P., & Brown, G. T. L. (2013). Academic difficulties encountered by East Asian international university students in New Zealand. Higher Education Research & Development, 32(6), 915–931. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2013.806444

15. Lee, J. J. (2009). Size matters: An exploratory comparison of small- and large-class university lecture introductions. English for Specific Purposes, 28(1), 42-57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2008.11.001

16. Leki, I. (2001). Materials, Educational, and Ideological Challenges of Teaching EFL Writing at the Turn of the Century. International Journal of English Studies, 9, 197-209.

17. Liu, J. (2001). Asian students’ classroom communication patterns in U. S.Universities: An emic perspective. Greenwood.

18. Morita, N. (2004). Negotiating Participation and Identity in Second Language Academic Communities. TESOL Quarterly, 38(4), 573.

19. Murphy, J. (2005). Connecting teacher leadership and school improvement. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage

20. Paretti, M. C. (2008). Teaching Communication in Capstone Design: The Role of the Instructor in Situated Learning. Journal of Engineering Education, 97(4), 491–503. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2008.tb00995.x

21. Pfluger, A., Armstrong, M., Corrigan, T., Nagelli, E., James, C., Miller, A., & Biaglow, A. (2020). Framework for analyzing placement of and identifying opportunities for improving technical communication in a chemical engineering curriculum. Education for Chemical Engineers, 31, 11–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ece.2020.02.001

22. Taghizadeh, M., & Hajhosseini, F. (2021). Investigating a blended learning environment: Contribution of attitude, interaction, and quality of teaching to satisfaction of graduate students of TEFL. Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 30, 459–469. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-020-00531-z

23. Tatar, S. (2005). Why keep silent? The classroom participation experiences of non-native English-speaking students. Language and Intercultural Communication, 5(3), 284-293. https://doi.org/10.1080/14708470508668902

24. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.

25. Yong, E., & Ashman, P. J. (2019). Integration of the structured development of communication skills within a chemical engineering curriculum at the University of Adelaide. Education for Chemical Engineers, 27, 20–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ece.2018.12.002

26. Zuengler, J., & Miller, E. R. (2006). Cognitive and sociocultural perspectives: Two parallel SLA worlds? TESOL Quarterly, 40(1), 35-58. https://doi.org/10.2307/40264510


Review

For citations:


Ivanova M.A. Oral Academic Communication in the Development of Professionally Oriented Competencies of Students. Journal of Employment and Career. 2023;2(3). https://doi.org/10.56414/jeac.2023.3.41

Views: 125


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.


ISSN 2782-6856 (Online)