Home⇛Asia Pacific Journal of Management and Sustainable Development⇛vol. 13 no. 1, Part 4 (2025)

Oral Communication Apprehension and Learning Strategies among College Students

Trisha Anne Magsino

Discipline: Applied Psychology

 

Abstract:

This study explored the relationship between oral communication apprehension and the communicative learning strategies employed by college students, with the goal of enhancing the curricula of the Purposive Communication and Advanced Communication courses. It investigated students’ levels of oral communication apprehension by examining key factors such as fear of negative evaluation, lack of linguistic self-confidence, poor organizational skills, and debilitating emotional and physical responses. Concurrently, the study analyzed students' preferred communicative learning strategies—such as games, role plays, interviews, pair work, and learning by teaching— in communication-based tasks. Using a quantitative research approach, standardized survey instruments were administered to college students across various academic programs. The findings revealed a range of correlations between oral communication apprehension and specific learning strategies, from negligible to moderate. Significant associations were identified between certain strategies and specific dimensions of communication anxiety. These results emphasized the importance of integrating student-centered, anxiety sensitive approaches in communication instruction. As a concrete output, the study proposed an enhanced action plan for Purposive Communication and Advanced Communication courses. The proposed enhancement includes flexible modules that incorporate effective, low apprehension learning strategies; differentiated communication tasks based on students' apprehension levels; and scaffolded activities that build confidence progressively. These enhancements aim to support students in developing oral communication competence while reducing apprehension and promoting strategic learning.



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