The benefits of a group oral presentation towards the development of Griffith graduate skills

Abstract

Communication skills are essential in the modern world, in the context of education, employment and everyday life. Presenting ideas orally, either as an individual or as part of a team is likely to be an important element in the work environment. Competent, effective speaking is perhaps one of the most valuable workplace skills a university graduate can acquire.

This paper focuses on the benefits of a group oral presentation towards the development of nine Griffith Graduate skills in “Exercise and Sport Behaviour”, a third year course for Physiotherapy and Exercise Science students at Griffith University. The presentation addressed the group’s response to a real-life situation related to exercise, sport or rehabilitation. Students formed groups of three and selected a scenario that was of interest to all members and could be improved through the introduction of a psychological skills training program. Six two-hour tutorials were structured and explained in a manual with specific preparatory exercises allocated for each session. Students were required to present sections of the assignment at each tutorial, culminating in the production of a written and oral report at the conclusion of the course.

Course evaluations indicated students perceived significant benefits were gained from involvement in the group oral presentation. Most groups suggested worthwhile values were gained from the experience. Students also reported some weaknesses which could be improved in future courses. Students were asked to rate the degree to which the oral presentation contributed to each of the Griffith Graduate skills on a Likert scale of 1-10 (1 being “virtually no contribution” and 10 “very significant contribution”). An average score of 7.3 demonstrated the inclusion of the oral presentation was valuable and with some minor changes will be utilized in courses that include group assignments.