How to Assess Communication Skills

Whether in the classroom, workplace, or social settings, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively can make all the difference. For educators, the challenge is clear: how do you help students understand the importance of communication while developing and refining these skills to ensure their success in life and work?

The answer lies in skills practice and assessment. This article will guide you through understanding what communication skills entail, their importance, and how to effectively assess and improve them.

The Communication Skills Gap: A Real-World Challenge

A significant challenge facing educators is the growing concern among employers that recent graduates lack essential communication skills. According to a report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, communication skills consistently top the list of attributes employers seek, yet many graduates fall short in this area.

This gap highlights the need for targeted education that emphasizes the development of communication competence. It’s not enough to focus solely on academic achievement — students must be equipped with the tools to communicate effectively in various contexts to prepare them for various industries.

Understanding Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

What Are Communication Skills?

Communication skills encompass a wide range of abilities that allow individuals to convey information, emotions, and ideas to others. These skills are fundamental to personal and professional success and can be broken down into two primary categories: verbal and non-verbal communication.

Verbal Communication

Verbal communication involves the use of words to convey a message. This can include speaking, writing, and even sign language. Examples of verbal communication in an educational setting might include classroom discussions, presentations, or written assignments. Key components of verbal communication include clarity, tone, and the ability to articulate thoughts effectively.

Non-Verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication refers to the transmission of messages without the use of words. This can include body language, facial expressions, gestures, posture, and eye contact. In the classroom, non-verbal cues play a crucial role in understanding students’ emotions, engagement levels, and overall comprehension.

The Importance of Good Communication Competence

Developing strong communication skills and competence comes with several benefits, including:

• Improved Problem Solving: Effective communication helps students articulate problems clearly and collaborate with others to find solutions.
• Strong Leadership: Good communicators are often seen as leaders because they can inspire and guide others.
• Increased Productivity: Clear communication reduces misunderstandings and errors, leading to increased productivity.
• Enhanced Engagement: Students who communicate well are more likely to engage with their peers and instructors, enhancing the learning experience.

In the workplace, communication skills are equally as crucial as they are in an educational setting. From preparing for interviews to excelling in job roles, the ability to communicate effectively can determine a graduate’s career trajectory. Employers value candidates who can not only perform tasks but also convey their ideas, collaborate with teams, and build relationships.

Methods to Assess and Teach Communication Skills

Assessing and teaching communication skills requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some effective methods educators can use:

• Role-Play: Engaging students in role-play scenarios helps them practice real-world communication situations, such as interviews or group discussions. This method encourages active participation and allows for immediate feedback.
• Video Recordings: Recording students’ presentations or conversations provides a visual and auditory record that can be reviewed for strengths and areas of improvement. Video-based assignments are particularly effective for honing verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Speaking/Presentations: Regular speaking assignments or presentations help students build confidence and improve their public speaking abilities. These exercises can be graded or used as self-assessment tools.
• Video-Based Assessments: Tools like GoReact enable students to practice communication skills and activities through video, providing detailed visual feedback that helps identify areas for improvement and track progress over time.

Video + feedback tools like GoReact enhance both the skill-building and assessment processes by providing a platform for educators to review and provide feedback on students’ communication skills. The AI-enhanced tools within GoReact offer in-the-moment, time-stamped feedback, which is crucial for effective learning. Immediate feedback helps students make real-time adjustments, leading to faster and more meaningful improvement.

Conclusion

Strong communication skills are vital for success in both academics and the workplace. By focusing on the assessment and improvement of these skills, educators can help students build the competence and mastery they need to thrive in any environment.

GoReact simplifies this process, making it easier to assess, practice, and master communication skills. See for yourself how GoReact can transform your approach to assessing communication skills and preparing your students for a successful career.