Measuring the Impact of Course Modality on Student Knowledge, Performance and Communication Apprehension in Public Speaking Pedagogy

© Media Watch 8 (1) 07-19, 2017
ISSN 0976-0911 e-ISSN 2249-8818
DOI: 10.15655/mw/2017/v8i1/41272

 

Measuring the Impact of Course Modality on Student Knowledge, Performance and Communication Apprehension in Public Speaking Pedagogy

L. MEGHAN MAHONEY, BESSIE LAWTON & ANITA FOEMAN
West Chester University of Pennsylvania, USA
 
Abstract
This research explores how integrating course modality changes through blended learning technologies impacts the framework of public speaking curriculum. Public Speaking is a unique area of study, as it involves a large number of student performances, requires a small class size, and incites increased communication apprehension in students. Authors of this study incorporated a blended learning course change to tackle these challenges. Through quantitative assessment comparing student knowledge, performance/skills, and communication apprehension between a blended course modality versus traditional face-to-face classes, more is understood regarding the impact of modality on public speaking
pedagogy. Results of this study demonstrate how a blended learning modality of instruction is able to enhance the quality of instruction, specifically by increasing student knowledge, improving performance/skills, and lowering communication apprehension. Challenges of hybrid modality are also discussed.
 
Keywords: Hybrid classroom, blended learning, modality assessment, distance education, public speaking instruction
 
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Dr. L. Meghan Mahoney is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at West Chester University. She received her PhD from Ohio University in Media Studies. Dr. Mahoney’s scholarly work explores new media audiences, technologies and behavior change.
Dr. Bessie Lawton is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at West Chester University. She received her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication. Dr. Lawton’s scholarly work explores issues of identification, especially for minority groups, as well as interracial relationship dynamics. She has also done work on basic course issues.
Dr. Anita Foeman is a Professor of Communication Studies at West Chester University. She received her PhD from Temple University in Communication with a concentration in Organizational Communication. Dr. Foeman’s scholarly work explores various aspects of diverse society, including technology and diversity and multicultural families and people.