Development of Emotional Competencies and Reflective Learning in Communication Courses

Abstract

Problem Statement: Recently there have been many efforts in higher education to foster student participation in the labor market in a targeted way.A few years ago a variety of soft skills courses were introduced at our college. These courses offer an opportunity for the development of those social and personal competencies, which are expected by the labor market and can determine the entire educational and personal development in interaction with cognitive competencies.Research Methods: The present paper is based on a survey conducted among 200 college students who participated in Presentation and Business Communication courses. The aim of the survey was to find out the students’ experiences, opinions about their own development as well as preferences and mood during classes.Findings: While feedback proved to be crucial on the one hand for qualitative reasons, on the other hand it can show how this learning experience can be beneficial in other areas. Student answers testify that “time flies” when the lessons are less structured and are more casual. Students do not just sit around and listen but can use their creativity as well, and by the means of group exercises they can also get to know each other better.