FAU Center for Teaching and Learning
Invitation to Participate in a Faculty Learning Community (FLC)
Developing Student Oral Communication Skills
Facilitator: Caren S. Neile
Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Summer and Fall 2009
Focus and Goals
Strong oral communication skills are beneficial in virtually any professional endeavor. Whether graduating
seniors seek full-time employment or continue their education, most will discover that the more effectively
and comfortably they speak and listen to others, the more easily they will reach their professional, as well
as personal, goals. FLC participants will assess the current state of oral communication in the classroom
and explore ways to increase its use and its effectiveness. Special emphasis will be placed on specific
applications including:
 Reflective learning through storytelling
 Overcoming speaking anxiety
 Assessment of orally presented student work
 Best practices for incorporating oral presentations into both large and small-group work
Which Two Semesters Will the FLC Operate?
Summer 2009 and Fall 2009
Expectations of Participants
FLC participants will meet on a twice-a-month basis to:
 Identify and discuss research and best practices related to incorporating student oral
communication in the classroom.
 Prepare informal presentations to be shared with their and other departments.
 Develop resource materials for faculty and students.
 Explore and implement various forms of oral communication in at least one of their classes during
their term in the FLC.
Who can participate?
You may apply to this FLC if you are a full-time, continuing, faculty member. Faculty may not participate
in more than one FLC at a time.
Stipend
You will receive a $1,000 stipend for your active participation in the FLC and upon fulfilling the above FLC
expectations.