Course Outline for Communication Studies 70B
Experienced Communication Tutor Training

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 02/26/2021

Catalog Description:

COMM 70B - Experienced Communication Tutor Training

2.00 - 3.00 Units

Tutor training for the Communication Laboratory. Through lecture and hands-on tutoring, experienced tutors with at least one semester of lab experience will demonstrate lab procedure, tutor stategies, thorough knowledge of basic components of public speaking, and ability to role-model these skills for new tutors.
Prerequisite: COMM 70A.
CB03: TOP Code 1506.00 - Speech Communication
Course Grading: Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 1.00 - 1.00 18.00 - 18.00 36.00 - 36.00 54.00 - 54.00
Laboratory 1.00 - 2.00 54.00 - 108.00 0.00 54.00 - 108.00
Total 2.00 - 3.00 72.00 - 126.00 36.00 - 36.00 108.00 - 162.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. demonstrate increased interpersonal communication skills to establish rapport with tutees;
  2. assess the needs of tutees;
  3. apply basic and advanced public speaking fundamentals;
  4. present a variety of tools for presentation preparation using clear messages and supportive nonverbal communication;
  5. evaluate the performance of others critically and thoughtfully;
  6. role-model interpersonal and public speaking skills for first semester tutors.

Course Content:

I. Course Content (Lecture):

    Students will study:

  1. Role of tutor
  2. Lab procedure / paperwork
  3. Creating a supportive learning environment 
  4. Adapting to various learning styles
  5. Effective listening and response
  6. Conflict resolution
  7. Topic selection
  8. Advanced organization and outlining tools
  9. Language choice
  10. Nonverbal communication
  11. Informative strategies
  12. Persuasive strategies
  13. Ceremonial speaking
  14. Preparation and use of visual aides
  15. Communicating confidence
  16. Ethical decisions
  17. Research strategies
  18. Voice and diction improvement
  19. Argumentation and debate tools
  20. Competitive requirements for communication tournaments
  21. Adaption to contexts outside the education setting


II. Course Content (Laboratory):

Students will demonstrate:

  1. Role of tutor
  2. Lab procedure
  3. Ability to create a supportive learning environment 
  4. Adaption to various learning styles
  5. Effective listening and response
  6. Conflict resolution techniques
  7. Topic selection strategies
  8. Ability to organize and outline various types of presentations 
  9. Effective language choice
  10. Supportive nonverbal communication
  11. Informative strategies
  12. Persuasive strategies
  13. Ceremonial speaking techniques
  14. Preparation and use of visual aides
  15. Communicating confidence
  16. Ethical decisions
  17. Research strategies
  18. Appropriate voice and diction choices
  19. Effective debate decisions
  20. Ability to evalute students preparing for communication tournaments
  21. Abilty to advise students in preparation for presentations beyond the classroom

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Demonstration/Exercise
  2. Discussion Seminar
  3. Group Activities
  4. Individual Performance
  5. Supervised Tutoring
  6. Distance Education

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. Role-play a tutoring interaction. Show how you would assess a student's anxiety level and offer constructive ways to lower speech anxiety.
  2. Read the following article (e.g., Learning styles, Top Public Speakers in Business, or Effective Study Skills) and be prepared to discuss.
  3. Write a 1-3 page essay evaluating your own tutoring skills. Focus on your ability to show confidence, credibilty, send clear messages and connect with your students.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Class Participation
  2. Lab Activities
  3. Oral Presentation
  4. Papers
  5. Final Examination or Project
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. listen to, evaluate and respond appropriately to the ideas of others;
  2. recognize, define and apply the principles of practical communication and communication theory;
  3. communicate and collaborate with peers, students, instructors, and classified professionals successfully in order to provide a welcoming and productive experience for students who visit the Communication Lab.

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Beebe, S. (2018). Public Speaking Handbook Pearson .
  2. Hostetler, M. (2017). Advanced Public Speaking Routledge.
Additional Materials:
  • None

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

Training for experienced communication tutors. Includes lecture and hands-on tutoring experience.
Prerequisite: COMM 70A.