Needs Analysis for the Development of a Counseling Module as an Intervention to Reduce Communication Apprehension among Students of Higher Learning Institutions

Abstract

Communication apprehension can hinder communication skills among higher learning institutions students in their employment. Communication apprehension refers to an inability of a person to communicate effectively as a worker. Therefore, this article aims to identify the level of communication apprehension problems in various situations and the needs analysis to develop a counseling module to be used by counselors to reduce communication apprehension among higher learning institutions students. The study was conducted using a quantitative cross-sectional survey. A total of 384 students from six universities of different programs were selected to participate in this study. The findings from each item using the Personnel Instrument Communication Apprehension (PRCA 24) revealed that there is a need to design a counseling module. In addition, the findings from the descriptive statistics indicated that the majority of the participants had a moderate to a higher level of communication apprehension. Meanwhile, the analysis of the activities to be included in designing a counseling module should focus on the components of thoughts and feelings. Due to this, the cognitive behavior therapy is suitable as the basis for designing a module to reduce communication apprehension among students. The findings from this study have a significant contribution to counselors and lecturers who are dealing with students’ affairs in helping them solve this issue once they register as universities students. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a need for one strategy or action to assist tertiary students who have problem in communication apprehension.