Incorporating Auditory Techniques into Teaching Presentational Communication in Community College Settings

• In Event: Building Bridges: Teaching through the Senses in Community College Settings

Abstract

Interpersonal relationship theoretical perspectives can be challenging for developmental level students to comprehend. Integrating songs into lessons helps in actively engaging them with the theories in a creative manner, explaining stages of relational development, and incorporating additional theories of attraction. This provides students with practical examples for evaluation, analysis, and discussion. Students are exposed to various songs about relationships and are asked to trace the relationship development throughout the songs. They listen to and read the lyrics of the songs thus appealing to their sense of sight and sound. This exercise allows them to engage in using their auditory sense to crystallize their cognitive knowledge and highlight the interpersonal connections. In addition to aiding them in their understanding, the songs themselves can evoke powerful emotional responses from students. Songs can be used to calm, energize, and evoke active engagement with developmental learners who need multiple inputs to assist with retention and comprehension.

Author

• Julie Copp, St. Louis Comm College, Florissant Valley