AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO TEACHING ORAL COMMUNICATION - THE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN ORAL COMMUNICATION

Considering the acknowledged importance of oral communication skills and the intense interest of educators in its definition, conceptualization, and assessment, a need now exists to systematically apply the communication competency construct to the instruction of the university undergraduate. The establishment of the Center for Excellence in Oral Communication, at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, represents such systematic application. Funded as a part of a two million dollar Title III Strengthening Institutions grant project, the new Center's communication-related programs began in 1990. The Center's primary goal is to develop, deliver, and assess academic programs related to the enhancement of the oral communication competence of undergraduate students. The present discussion outlines the Center's genesis, goals, and implementation strategies.