Effectiveness and characteristics of programs for developing oral competencies at university: A systematic review

Abstract

This paper offers a systematic review that follows the PRISMA protocol; its aim is to offer a compendium of intervention programs and strategies that have been developed in the university context for promoting oral competencies and public speaking skills. After a blind pair selection process, 23 studies were included, analyzed in depth, and their methodological quality evaluated, using one checklist for experimental studies and another for nonexperimental studies. The results reveal a variety of methodologies and techniques based on presentation and practice both in the classroom and using video recordings. Participation in debate, small group classroom organization for problem solving, and the use of feedback are presented as adequate teaching strategies for improving these skills. By compiling and analyzing the key elements of the interventions, guidance may be found for the design of future interventions, through a list of resources and activities that address these purposes.