Communicative Competence Research Articles

Training physicians in motivational communication: An integrated knowledge transfer study protocol.

While behavior change counseling (BCC) targeting health risk behaviors has shown efficacy for improving patient health outcomes, barriers to knowledge translation have resulted in poor uptake among health care providers (HCPs). This article outlines the development of a new BCC training framework for HCPs, from inception to readiness for efficacy testing. It provides an example of integrated knowledge translation (iKT) used in alignment with the obesity-related behavioral intervention trials model. (a) A modified Delphi process identified essential BCC skills for HCPs; (b) a survey assessed HCP attitudes and training needs; (c) an online competency assessment tool was developed using iKT mixed methods; (d) a training program was developed and refined using a logic model; and (e) the program was optimized using iterative rounds of participant feedback. A future proof-of-concept trial (f) will determine the program's readiness for full efficacy testing. A Delphi panel (n = 46) identified 11 core BCC competencies for HCPs, defining "motivational communication." The HCP survey (n = 80) showed willingness to devote 4 hr to introductory training in BCC. The Motivational Communication Competency Assessment Test (MC-CAT: an online, interactive evaluation tool) and a motivational communication training program (MOTIVATOR: accredited for continuing education by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada) were collaboratively developed with knowledge users. The optimization process (n = 11) provided key feedback, with minor changes being made to the program. In developing a new BCC framework, obstacles to BCC implementation were addressed through an iterative iKT process. This should improve eventual intervention uptake. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Impact of General Education Satisfaction on Core Competencies in the Cyber University Teaching and Learning Environment

The objective of this study is to identify the characteristics of students at Cyber universities and to empirically analyze the impact of their satisfaction with general education on core competencies. A survey was conducted with 1,196 students from S Cyber University in the metropolitan area, with the objective of assessing their satisfaction level with general education and core competencies. The study employed a variety of analytical techniques, including correlation analysis, descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, simple and multiple linear regression analysis, to verify the relationships between general education satisfaction and core competencies.</br>The findings revealed that significant differences in some core competencies were identified based on gender, transfer status, and whether students had been enrolled for more than two semesters, underscoring the necessity for tailored educational programs that consider demographic factors and learning experiences. Secondly, the results of the simple linear regression analysis indicated that student satisfaction with general education had a significant positive impact on all core competencies, with the strongest effect observed on the communication and cooperation competency. Thirdly, the results of the multiple linear regression analysis indicated that satisfaction with general education had a significant positive impact on all core competencies. Additionally, factors such as enrollment for more than a year, gender, and age group had a significant positive effect on some core competencies.</br>Based on the findings, the study emphasizes the crucial role of general education in enhancing core competencies within the Cyber university learning environment. It also proposes the development of tailored educational programs aimed at improving specific competencies, such as global citizenship. Moreover, the study confirms that even in remote learning environments, general education plays a key role in promoting interaction and cooperation among students. This suggests that enhancing the quality of general education can maximize students' learning experiences and contribute to the achievement of Cyber universities' educational goals.

Gaya komunikasi kepemimpinan transformasional dalam masa perubahan organisasi: Sebuah tinjauan literatur

The Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) is undertaking Tax Reform Volume III, which encompasses a focus on the reform of Human Resources (HR). The management of organizational change is inherently complex, and issues persist regarding the dynamics between superiors and subordinates at DJP. This study aims to furnish insights into change management from a communicative standpoint, specifically identifying the most suitable leadership communication styles to implement during the change process. The research employs a literature review methodology. Findings reveal that the transformational leadership communication style is the most effective for managing change. Communication styles that are devoid of emotional bias, empathetic, and allows for two-way communication are generally favored by subordinates. Training aimed at enhancing leadership communication competencies represents a feasible solution to equip individuals with the necessary skills to cultivate an optimal work environment

Fostering interdisciplinary intercultural citizenship with virtual reality in a world language virtual exchange project

Intercultural dialogue is an essential component of intercultural citizenship, i.e., students’ ability to address complex societal issues. With more interconnected problems comes an increased need for students to communicate and collaborate with people from differing backgrounds. This preliminary study combined the framework of Intercultural Citizenship (ICit) and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) with Virtual Reality (VR) and Virtual Exchange (VE) to investigate the students’ development of ICit. Fifteen learners of German, consisting of university students of German in the United States and students studying at a German university, met in dyads or triads in VR over six weeks and worked on their independent projects in which they each addressed a societal environmental problem of their choice. Analyses of the data (pre-project and post-project surveys, weekly journal entries, project presentations) revealed that participants developed their intercultural competence and enhanced their critical language awareness. Some students showed a shift of emphasis: While at the beginning they were more concerned with linguistic elements of the German language toward the end of the project they were focused on the topic of their project. Finally, participants appreciated the VR setting for building relationships, communicating, and developing intercultural competence in an authentic setting. This study underscores the potential of advancing ICit and intercultural communicative competence (ICC) through a VR-VE format, emphasizing VR-VE’s potential in fostering relationships-building between students. It also offers students practical experience in navigating and appreciating the complexities of intercultural communication.

The impact of different conversational generative AI chatbots on EFL learners: An analysis of willingness to communicate, foreign language speaking anxiety, and self-perceived communicative competence

Based on the Interaction Hypothesis, the study investigates the impact of different conversational Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) chatbots on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ willingness to communicate (WTC), foreign language speaking anxiety (FLSA), self-perceived communicative competence (SPCC) and speaking performance. Three groups of Chinese undergraduate students were recruited: a control group (CG, N = 33) and two experimental groups (EG1, N = 33; EG2, N = 33). The CG interacted with the teacher and classmates during the speaking class. In contrast, EG1 interacted with a text- and voice-based conversational GenAI chatbot called Typebot, while EG2 engaged with a conversational GenAI chatbot that featured both text and voice interaction along with human-like avatars named D-ID Agent. Quantitative analysis using multilevel modelling revealed that EG2 showed significant improvements in WTC and SPCC and a notable reduction in FLSA levels compared to CG. However, the pre- and post-speaking test results showed no significant differences in speaking performance across the groups. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews supported these findings, highlighting the immersive learning experience and emotional support provided by the human-like avatars. These results suggest that visually embodied GenAI chatbots can effectively enhance the emotional experience during the language learning. The study provides practical insights for language educators on integrating GenAI technologies in language teaching, emphasising the benefits of human-like avatars in fostering a more engaging and supportive learning environment.

Teaching Decimal Operations to Develop Mathematical Thinking and Reasoning Competency for Primary School Students in Vietnam

Vietnam is in the process of comprehensively reforming education. In 2018, the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training issued the General Education Program. In addition to general competencies, the 2018 General Education Program also aims to develop specific competencies for students, including mathematical competency. Mathematical competency includes 5 component competencies: mathematical thinking and reasoning; mathematical modeling competency; mathematical problem solving competency; mathematical communication competency; competency in using mathematical tools and means. This article presents some measures to develop mathematical thinking and reasoning competency for 5th grade students through teaching the content of calculations with decimals in primary school. These are also some suggestions for managers and teachers of primary schools in Vietnam to improve the quality of teaching Mathematics in general.

Communication competency for dental hygienists in Korea : a scoping review

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the literature and related factors used in communication competency scales for dental hygienists in Korea. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using a five-step method of setting research questions: searching for related studies; selecting literature; recording data; and comparing results, summarizing, and reporting. Results: Of the 19 studies selected, 15 were quantitative and four were qualitative. The most frequently used communication competency scale was the life skills measurement tool, and the related variables were, first, job satisfaction and, second, turnover intention, with most individual perspective studies. Communication positively affected job satisfaction and negatively affected turnover intention. Conclusions: Communication competency of dental hygienists was an important job-related factor; however, the comunication competency scale was insufficient. Therefore, the development of a patient-centered dental hygienist communication competency scale is suggested.

Developing oral communication skill in Bangladesh

Competency in Oral Communication has become the most spoken issue of Bangladesh in the recent years (Brunfaut, T., & Green, R., 2017). English Language is no more the communication medium for the English only; it has achieved the status of the official or the dominant language for above two billion people in more than 60 countries. In a short period of time, English received a wide geographical coverage and become one of the leading means of communication. In line with the present competitive world, Bangladesh is not an exception. In the country, English continues its domination and expansion as the highly demandable and an inevitable language. People who have a very sound communication skill in English, especially of spoken English, are in the triumphant march. However, the way of increasing this oral communicative competence for the students of Bangladesh, is indeed a very crucial and burning issue. Despite acknowledging the great importance of this language, our students have not reached to that required level. Only ‘mutual intelligibility’ or ‘mere communication through English’ cannot be considered as competency in speaking. Even the students entering the tertiary level have a very poor knowledge in English Language. This paper, therefore, goes through the present scenario of communicative skill especially speaking skill of today’s students and the existing methods of developing this oral communication skill in Bangladesh. In doing so, the researcher collected survey data from 50 students and 10 Teachers from 3 different schools of different geographical locations, data from 30 students’ and 6 teachers’ interviews. Significant innovations are also found from the practical observations of 3 English language classes of three different institutions. The paper, thus, attempts to diagnose the reasons behind the students’ incompetency, and to propose some new strategies to overcome the language barriers.

Incorporating Graphic Humor and Comic Vignettes in Second Lang

Abstract: This article explores the integration of graphic humor, specifically comic vignettes, into a foreign language teaching (FLT) context and its impact on enhancing communicative competencies. It addresses the paradox of how simple humorous sketches can convey complex meanings and discusses their relevance in a globalized world with approximately 7 billion inhabitants. By examining Alon¬so Abad’s (2010) insights on the intersection of psychology and language pedagogy, the article highlights the advantages of using comic strips over more traditional or conventional verbalist approaches. The current discussion, includes theoretical frameworks such as Krashen’s Affective Filter Theory and the CEFR’s concept of existential competence, emphasizing the role of emotional and personal factors in language learning. The article defines graphic novels and humor graph¬ics, illustrating their ability to engage students with a variety of alternative topics and create meaningful learning experiences in the learning field. It also delves, into the semiotic models of humor and cartoons, noting the cognitive effects of combining verbal and visual elements. Practical aspects of incorporating graphic materials into language teaching are discussed, including the need for specific teacher training and the development of an alternative set of discourses connected with visual competencies. The article concludes with some recommendations based on Littlewood’s (1981) procedures for designing didactic materials, aiming to foster a positive classroom environment and enhance language acquisition through humor. Overall, the integration of comic-based learning materials is pre¬sented as a necessary approach, which intends to fulfil the lack of intuitive and criti¬cal thinking in the second language teaching (SLT) field. Keywords: graphic humor, images, cartoons, vignettes, communication, creativity, critical thinking, innovation.

Assessing the Grammatical Rules Proficiency among Polytechnic and Colleges of Education Students in Anambra State Using Evidence Centered Design Assessment

Language assessment is a broad concern in Applied Linguistics because it focuses on the measurement and judgment of learners’ proficiency, and the efficiency of the learning practice used by the learners as well as the teaching method employed by language teachers. This research paper adopted Evidence Centered Design (ECD) as its theoretical framework to form the bedrock of this study. The ECD methodology is an assessment approach or design which underscores the central sole of evidentiary reasoning in assessment. ECD assessment deisgn is used in this study to explore the efficiency of Evidence Centered Design in the assessment of English language proficiency level of the Igbo speakers of 200 undergraduates from three polytechnics and one college of education in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative research design, primary and secondary source of data to help the researcher make predictions and judge the communicative competence of these learners by using diagnostic model of test to determine their interactive knowledge in the use of parts of speech. The study used simple percentage which is the statistical analysis acceptable in Language studies, to analyze the data collected from the questionnaire and the test. The findings from this study proved the validity of ECD assessment in determining language proficiency.

Constrained Emotional Sentence Production in Parkinson's Disease.

Deficits in the processing and production of emotional cues are well documented in the Parkinson's disease (PD) literature; however, few have ventured to explore how impairments may impact emotional language use in this population, particularly beyond the word level. Emotional language is an important multidimensional manner of communicating one's wants and needs; thus, the current study sought to explore how various aspects of language production may be impacted by the emotionality of a stimulus. Eighteen persons with PD and 22 healthy adults completed a constrained emotional sentence production task in which the affective target word was either a noun or a verb. Output was analyzed for fluency, grammaticality, completeness, and response initiation times. Cognitive (i.e., working memory [WM], inhibition, and switching) and mood (i.e., depression and apathy) measures were examined as factors influencing performance. Individuals with PD produced fewer fluent responses than healthy controls. Furthermore, they had fewer grammatical responses in their production of negative sentences and exhibited reduced information completeness when producing sentences containing positive stimuli. Group differences could not be wholly attributed to individual differences in WM or apathy. Our results support those of others that document language production deficits in individuals with PD above and beyond those impairments that can be explained by the select cognitive abilities explored here. Moreover, the emotionality of the topic may impact various aspects of communicative competence in persons with PD. For instance, disease processes associated with degeneration of neural substrates important for processing negative stimuli may also impact the grammaticality of productions containing negatively valenced content. Thus, it is important to consider how individuals in this population communicate during emotional circumstances. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.27289413.

Comprehensive Approach to Training English Communicative Competence in Chemistry

Abstract The development of foreign language professional communicative competence (FLPCC) is crucial for professionals, considering communicative skills as an integral part of their competence. In Kazakhstan, acquiring a foreign language is a prerequisite for advancing chemistry education, enabling students to access global scientific advancements and exchange knowledge. Content and language-integrated learning (CLIL) stands out as an effective approach for cultivating FLPCC in future chemistry teachers. This study addresses the scarcity of theoretical and practical tools in content-language integrated learning in pedagogical universities. It aims to enhance the training quality for pedagogy bachelor’s degree students studying chemistry in a foreign language. By identifying active teaching forms, methodologies, and approaches in integrated learning, students’ foreign language competence can be successfully developed within the professional domain. A meticulously designed training model and exercises were developed to achieve these goals. The proposed modeling approach was evaluated using the Quasi research method, involving questionnaire data analysis. The results confirm that implementing this approach significantly improves future chemistry professionals’ training quality, enabling confident communication in English within their professional domains and demonstrating well-developed speaking skills. The practical value of this research extends to university educators implementing CLIL practices and researchers studying students’ FLPCC formation.

Investigating factors influencing AI customer service adoption: an integrated model of stimulus–organism–response (SOR) and task-technology fit (TTF) theory

PurposeArtificial intelligence (AI) customer service has grown rapidly in recent years due to the emergence of COVID-19 and the growth of the e-commerce industry. Therefore, this study employs the integration of the stimuli–organism–response (SOR) and the task-technology fit (TTF) frameworks to understand the factors that affect individuals’ intentions towards AI customer service adoption in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilised a survey-based research approach to investigate the factors that affect individuals’ intentions towards AI customer service adoption in Malaysia. The data were collected by conducting an online survey targeting individuals aged 18 or above who had prior customer service interaction experience with human service agents but had not yet adopted AI customer service. A sample of 339 respondents was used to evaluate the hypotheses, adopting partial least squares structural equation modelling as a symmetric analytic technique.FindingsThe PLS-SEM analysis revealed that social influence and anthropomorphism have a positive direct relationship with emotional trust. Furthermore, communicative competence, technology characteristics and perceived intelligence were positively correlated with TTF. Moreover, emotional trust significantly impacts AI customer service adoption. In addition, AI readiness positively moderates the association between task technology fit and AI customer service adoption.Practical implicationsThe study provides insights to individuals, organisations, the government and educational institutions to improve the features of AI customer service and its development in Malaysia.Originality/valueThe originality of this study is found in its adoption of the SOR theory and TTF to understand the factors affecting AI customer service adoption. Additionally, it incorporates moderating variables during the analysis, adding depth to the findings. This approach introduces a new perspective on the factors that impact the adoption of AI customer service and offers valuable insights for practitioners seeking to formulate effective strategies to promote its adoption.

NLP Applications in Vocabulary Acquisition

This paper examines the transformative role of Natural Language Processing (NLP) in vocabulary acquisition for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. With advancements in NLP technologies, innovative applications have emerged that foster effective vocabulary learning through personalized and context-rich experiences. The study explores various NLP-driven tools, such as context-aware learning systems, personalized vocabulary lists, and interactive games, that enhance engagement and retention. By analyzing the effectiveness of these tools, this research underscores the limitations of traditional vocabulary teaching methods and illustrates how NLP can provide dynamic, tailored support to meet individual learners’ needs. Furthermore, the paper highlights the significance of real-time feedback mechanisms, such as speech recognition, in promoting accurate pronunciation. Ultimately, this investigation aims to demonstrate that NLP technologies offer a more engaging, efficient, and effective approach to vocabulary acquisition, significantly improving ESL learners’ language proficiency and overall communicative competence.

Future proof competencies for nurses working in primary care; a mixed methods study

Abstract Background Healthcare services, also those provided by nurses, are challenged by the increasing care demands of an ageing population and people with chronic conditions. To improve care efficiency and quality, now and in the future, nurses must have competencies regarding self-management support of patients, electronic communication, preventive care, and engaging relatives in care. This study aimed to assess primary care registered nurses’ (RNs) time allocation to these competencies and their perceived needs for further development of these competencies. Methods A mixed methods design was used, involving a nationwide survey (n = 303) and focus groups (12 participants), both with RNs working in community care services or general practitioners (GPs) practices. Survey data were analysed descriptively, and focus group transcripts underwent qualitative thematic analysis. Results The majority of RNs invest significant time in client self-management support (90%), preventive care (82%), and involving relatives in care (74%). RNs also recognized an increasing demand for these competencies in the future and the need to motivate patients and relatives to self-manage their health. Furthermore, RNs reported that competencies regarding electronic communication skills will become extra important in the future, yet currently only 37% dedicate substantial time to this. RNs face challenges in effectively utilizing electronic communication with patients and thus need opportunities to improve digital skills. Additionally, RNs desire enhanced collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as GPs and medical specialists. Conclusions RNs’ limited time allocation and perceived inadequacy in electronic patient communication, underscore the importance of targeted training in this area, and prioritizing this by healthcare organizations. In addition, fostering collaboration between nursing staff and other healthcare professionals could support future proof nursing in primary care. Key messages • Nurses demonstrate resilience in addressing healthcare challenges, emphasizing client care, prevention and family engagement. • Training nurses in competencies for electronic communication with patients is essential to meet the anticipated increase in demand for this aspect in their practice.

Skill Sets for the Hospitality Sectors: A Review

This article reviews the key skills required in the hotel industry, analyzing the importance of soft skills, technical skills, management, and leadership abilities. It also discusses the critical nature of cross-cultural competencies and language skills against the backdrop of globalization. The article emphasizes the foundational role of soft skills such as service attitude, communication, teamwork, and customer service. It points out the crucial role of technical skills like foreign language proficiency, information technology, and professional knowledge in enhancing service efficiency and market competitiveness. Management and leadership abilities, including organization, time management, and decision-making, are vital for the operational efficiency of hotels. Furthermore, the ability to engage in cross-cultural communication is essential for improving international competitiveness and customer experience. In the future, the demand for skills in the hospitality industry will be more diverse, and digital technology, multilingual competence and cross-cultural communication, the spirit of innovation and new training methods will bring greater challenges to practitioners in the hospitality industry.

The Impact of Health Communication Competence towards Electronic Word of Mouth (e-WOM) in Health Information Sharing among Internet Users in Malaysia

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered daily activities, with Malaysians increasingly relying on the internet for various tasks, such as e-commerce and booking health appointments. This descriptive study applied a cross-sectional approach to explore the relationship between health communication competence and electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) among internet users in Malaysia. A total of 400 respondents, selected through quota sampling from four regions, completed a questionnaire divided into three sections: demographic background, health communication competence, and e-WOM. The findings indicated that Malaysian internet users possess fair health communication competence. Correlational analysis showed significant relationships between health communication competence—specifically adherence, critical and participative communication, and active disease-related communication—and e-WOM. However, multiple regression analysis identified critical and participative communication as the strongest predictor of e-WOM in health information sharing. The research met its three objectives and supported all four hypotheses, contributing valuable insights to a previously under-researched area and offering a foundation for future exploration of these variables.

Designing Effective Pedagogical Activities to Enhance Grammar Understanding and Communicative Competence in Intermediate-Level Adult SL Learners

This article explores strategies to enhance the grammatical understanding and communicative competence of intermediate-level adult second language learners by designing targeted pedagogical activities. It focuses on how pre-task, while-task, and post-task activities can effectively support learners in grasping complex grammatical concepts and applying them in real-world communicative scenarios. The study emphasizes that using grammar in authentic contexts significantly improves learners ability to communicate fluently in English, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.By integrating theory with practice, the article underlines the importance of designing teaching activities that are not only engaging but also aligned with the specific learning needs of adult students. The pre-task phase activates prior knowledge and introduces essential terms, while the while-task phase deepens understanding through critical discussion and note-taking. The post-task phase reinforces the application of learned grammar through role-plays and reflective writing, ensuring that learners can transfer their grammatical knowledge to everyday communication situations.Furthermore, the article provides practical insights into teaching strategies that foster active learning and critical thinking, encouraging learners to not only memorize grammar rules but also use them creatively in meaningful interactions. These strategies offer valuable guidance for educators in creating more effective grammar instruction plans tailored to adult learners' unique needs, ultimately enhancing both their linguistic proficiency and problem-solving skills.

Investigation of Communication, Social Intelligence and Intercultural Sensitivity Competencies of Teacher Candidates in Sustainable Education by Structural Equation Modeling

It has become increasingly important to provide equal educational opportunities to all students for quality and sustainable education in classrooms with rapidly increasing diversity. In this context, communication skills, social intelligence and intercultural sensitivity are important competences that can affect teacher performance and efficiency in classrooms. Despite the importance of these competencies, empirical studies examining the relationships between these variables are scarce. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the relationships between teacher candidates’ communication skills and their intercultural sensitivity and social intelligence levels through the application of structural equation modeling (SEM). The participants were selected from among the teacher candidates studying at Kütahya Dumlupınar University, a public university in Türkiye, using simple random sampling method. The results indicated that teacher candidates had high levels of communication skills, intercultural sensitivity and social intelligence. In addition, while there was a significant positive relationship between communication skills and intercultural sensitivity level and social intelligence level at low level, there was a significant positive relationship between intercultural sensitivity and social intelligence level at medium level. Furthermore, communication skills and intercultural sensitivity were found to be significant predictors of social intelligence and intercultural sensitivity had a partial mediating role in the relationship between communication skills and social intelligence. In the study, it was concluded that teacher candidates’ communication skills predicted social intelligence through intercultural sensitivity.

The Effect of Managers Communication Competency on the Increase of Employees Communication Anxiety Levels and a Literature Review

The Effect of Managers Communication Competency on the Increase of Employees Communication Anxiety Levels and a Literature Review