Oral communication apprehension in a small group discussion

Abstract

This research investigated the level and range of communication apprehension (CA) in a small group discussion among polytechnic students. The research design used in the study was a quantitative approach. The sample in this study consisted of 97 diploma students of one polytechnic in Johor. The instrument used to collect the data in this research was the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA-24). The findings of this study showed that in the context of small group discussion, a large number of the students were in the average CA level followed by the more than average CA group while one student was considered as high CA level and one student as low CA level. Consequently, the findings prove that the issue of CA in a small group discussion is not a trivial matter and should be further examined. Students should be educated that CA is common and happens to everyone while teachers should address the issue openly in oral communication lessons for it to be managed. Therefore, the findings of this research serve as a basis for future studies and give a significant contribution to the field of oral communication.