Evaluation of a Basic Communication Course

This study addressed the effects of a basic communication course on students\u27 perceptions of their communication skills. Students enrolled in a basic course were asked via a pre- and post- course questionnaire to assess changes in their perceptions of their communication skills. An analysis of the questionnaire results revealed that the basic course did have a positive effect on students\u27 perceptions of their communication skills, particularly in presentation and interviewing skills, and on their comfort in communicating. The results also illustrate that the effects on communication skills were stronger in those areas (especially public speaking) where students perceived the greatest need to improve. While there are limitations to this self-report data analysis, the study does provide some evidence that a basic communication course can have a positive effect on students\u27 communication skills