UndergradSkiller: Skill Set Map for Undergraduates and Their Educators

COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION

Communication Foundations

Definition:

Effective communication begins with understanding how to adapt messages for different audiences, contexts, and channels. These resources introduce the principles of professional and academic communication, including written, oral, and digital formats.

Useful Resources on Communication Foundations:

Ashman, M. (2018). Introduction to professional communications. Pressbooks. https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/professionalcomms

Annotation: Textbook covering communication foundations, the research process, planning and writing messages, visual communication, and interpersonal communication including intercultural communication, teamwork, listening, feedback, and oral presentations.

Breslow, L., & Heagney, T. (2012). Management communication for undergraduates. MIT OpenCourseWare. https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/15-279-management-communication-for-undergraduates-fall-2012

Annotation: MIT course on strategic communication in professional settings. Covers audience analysis, writing, speaking, teamwork, and cross-cultural communication. Includes lecture notes, readings, and assignments.

Hiebert, R. (2023). Online communication. In E. Novakowski, J. Olson, & G. Arnold (Eds.), College success for newcomers. Campus Manitoba. https://pressbooks.openedmb.ca/collegesuccessfornewcomers/chapter/online-communication/

Annotation: Chapter from a textbook covering online etiquette, professional texting, and email writing in a college context. Includes guidelines for communicating on platforms such as Slack and Microsoft Teams, a sample professional email, and interactive exercises.

Peer Review: None

Table of contents:

5.1. Communication Foundations

5.2. Rhetoric and Persuasive Communication

5.3. Science and Public Communication

5.4. Oral Presentations
5.4.1. Presentation Techniques

5.5. Giving and Receiving Feedback
5.5.1. Giving Feedback

5.6. Teamwork and Collaboration
5.6.1. Understanding Teams
5.6.2. Working in Groups
5.6.3. Team Presentations

5.7. Networking

5.8. Leadership

5.9. Writing in English
5.9.1. English Language Development
5.9.2. Support for Multilingual Writers
5.9.3. Writing in Professional and Academic Contexts

5.10. Inclusive and Accessible Communication
5.10.1. Inclusive Language Principles
5.10.2. Inclusive Language Reference Tools
5.10.3. Gender-Inclusive Language
5.10.4. Writing about Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Identity
5.10.5. Disability-Inclusive Language
5.10.6. Document Accessibility

 

Author: Leeanne Irwin

Peer Reviewer(s): None