94288 - Communication Attitude

Learning outcomes

At the end of the activity, in order to improve communication skills, the student will gain basic knowledge of the national language (Italian, Portuguese, Spanish or Catalan) where she/he is attending classes. The student will also be trained in some important tools for communication of concepts and results. The acquired skills will be useful for collaborative work and the student will be aware of the good practice for building working teams.

Course contents

This course is designed to equip students with essential communication skills for presenting their research effectively across a variety of academic and non-academic contexts. Through interactive lectures, case studies, and practical exercises, students will learn how to structure and deliver clear, engaging, and persuasive presentations tailored to different audiences. Emphasis will be placed on writing scientific abstracts and articles, designing and presenting posters and oral communications for international conferences, and developing concise “elevator pitches” for interdisciplinary or public engagement settings.

Given the multicultural and multidisciplinary background of participants, the course will also address cultural differences in communication styles and common challenges faced by non-native English speakers when presenting scientific work. A strong focus will be placed on clarity, storytelling, and audience awareness.

By the end of the course, students will be expected to deliver a short individual or group presentation (on a scientific or societal topic of their choice), applying the techniques learned. Constructive peer and instructor feedback will be part of the final assessment.

Readings/Bibliography

- Notes from the lessons

- Scientific papers uploaded in the Virtuale platfor

Teaching methods

The course will employ a combination of interactive and student-centered teaching methods. Lectures with active participation will provide theoretical frameworks and best practices for effective scientific communication. Students will engage in case study analysis of successful abstracts, articles, and conference presentations to highlight specific techniques and strategies. Hands-on exercises and workshops will focus on writing, presenting, and visual design, including posters, slides, and elevator pitches. Peer-to-peer activities such as collaborative feedback sessions and group discussions will encourage reflection and continuous improvement. Students will also deliver individual and group presentations, applying the skills acquired in realistic academic or interdisciplinary scenarios. In addition, the course will include multicultural communication training to address common challenges faced by non-native English speakers and to develop cross-cultural presentation strategies. Formative feedback from both peers and the instructor will be provided throughout the course, culminating in a final assessed presentation. These methods aim to foster both practical skills and critical thinking, ensuring students gain confidence and adaptability in diverse communication settings.

Assessment methods

Student learning will be assessed through a combination of active participation, practical assignments, and a final presentation. Throughout the course, students will complete short writing tasks (e.g., abstracts, introductions, poster texts) and oral presentation exercises, which will receive formative feedback from both the instructor and peers. The final assessment will consist of an individual or group presentation on a scientific or societal topic of the student’s choice, applying the techniques and strategies covered in the course. Evaluation criteria will include clarity of delivery, audience awareness, structure and organization, visual effectiveness (if applicable), and responsiveness to questions. Student engagement, progress over time, and participation in class activities will also contribute to the final evaluation.

Teaching tools

Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities are advised to contact the University Office responsible in a timely manner (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en). The office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations to the students concerned. These accommodations must be submitted to the lecturer for approval at least 15 days in advance, and will be evaluated in light of the learning objectives of the course.

The course will make use of various tools to support teaching and learning. The Unibo Virtuale platform will be used to share teaching materials, scientific articles, slides, and all course-related communications. Lectures will be accompanied by multimedia presentations and examples of abstracts, scientific articles, posters, and slides, which will serve as resources for critical analysis and practical exercises.

Office hours

See the website of Sahra Talamo

See the website of Teresa Quarta

See the website of Marco De Angelis