A comparison of concepts of the basic underlying assumptions of the introductory speech communication course in the Oregon community colleges as seen by speech communication faculty and self-reported by students

Abstract

This study is focused upon an investigation of the content and methodology of the introductory speech course in the Oregon community colleges. The current content appears to be one of an emphasis on skill building in the area of public speaking. Previous research in the area of content and methodology of the basic course have centered on the courses offered at four-year institutions and has asked only faculty and administrators what they felt should be offered in the introductory course. This research study will instead question students and faculty at the vocational level in the community college of Oregon to see if there is a similarity in their concepts of what should be taught in this course. An answer to the following question was sought: to what extent are the underlying assumptions of the basic speech courses at the community college level seen by the instructors similar to or different from the self-reported needs in communication training if the community college student?