Communication Skills Assessments and Rubrics In The Higher Education: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Effective communication skills are crucial in the higher education system. Consequently, there is a growing concern about how higher education institutions can better equip students with the communication skills required for success in both academic and professional settings. The assessment of communication skills, especially in higher education, is complex and can have a substantial impact on students' academic achievements, preparedness for their careers, and overall professional growth. Due to this disparities and assessment challenges, this meta-analysis sought to answer the following research questions: (a) What are the assessments employed for communication skills in multi-discipline studies in higher education? (b) What are the “key findings” contributing to the issues of communication skills assessment in higher education? In this article, a meta-analysis was conducted to determine the types of communication skill assessments and other key findings concerning the assessment issues in this area. Sources were identified using Scopus, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, Taylor & Francis Online and Springerlink, and, after inclusion criteria were applied, 21 samples of articles were included in the meta-analysis. The findings demonstrate the existence of issues from the aspects of audience, mode, and purpose of the assessments, which mainly are: (1) impact of language proficiency and ICT competency; (2) communication skills approach to non-scientific audience; (3) blended assessment and feedback communication; (4) use of explicit and direct teaching assessment; (5) critical thinking and opportunity for justifying scientific ideas; and (6) benefit of early and continuous communication tasks. The review finds an extensive gap on the communication skills assessment related to higher-order thinking and problem-solving abilities in junior students. This meta-analysis may be of great interest to university policymakers, language lecturers, and academic lecturers from other disciplines who are searching for the best assessments strategies to measure students' communication skills.