CENTRAL PHILIPPINES STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE SCHOOL
San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Education is considered imperative for the progress of
not only an individual but also for the development of
community and nation. In order to bring about improvements
in all aspects, and utilize modern and innovative techniques
and methods, individuals need to generate awareness and
enhance their educational skills. The main purpose of this
research paper is to determine the effectiveness of the
teaching strategy – the Buzz Session in enhancing students’
performance in Jimalalud National High School. According to
Moore (2010) buzz session is a discussion method that can be
used to effectively survey the structure of knowledge in a
particular area as well as suggest the connection between
cases and real decision-making, reaches students at an
emotional level, and provides necessary motivation for
learning difficult materials. Good discussion has certain
qualities that determine the effectiveness of the method.
Discussion can be good or bad depending on these qualities.
The effectiveness of a method can be determined by studying
CENTRAL PHILIPPINES STATE UNIVERSITY
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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the degree to which its objectives are achieved. As adapted
by IUB (2001) has described the following objectives of
discussion: 1.) Exercising/gaining control of the class; 2.)
Highlighting major ideas; 3.) Setting the stage for
forthcoming activities; 4.) Showing one's own interest for
the subject; and 5.) Providing a model of good communication
skills.
Buzz Group Technique is a strategy that makes students
work in small groups in a limited time. The room soon fills
with noise as each sub-group ‘buzzes’ in discussion. Buzz
groups can be in pairs, trios, or more depending on the
activity. While they are buzzing, participants are able to
exchange ideas and draw on their wide collective experience.
(Tarigan Eunike, 2012: 2). Buzz Group is the technique to
organize the students into groups and work in time already
specified.
Buzz Group and Clustering technique can help students
to solve their problem in exploring their ideas of the
concept in discussion aside from developing writing and oral
skills. Addressing problems on the performance of students
in learning concepts, specifically in Contact Center
CENTRAL PHILIPPINES STATE UNIVERSITY
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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Services, a major in Technology and Home Economics for Grade
X students, teachers should choose a technique where the
students can overcome confusion by asking questions and
sharing their knowledge on the topic at hand. In this
educational scenario, the researcher tries to solve the
problem by applying buzz group and clustering technique as
part of the teaching strategy to improve students’
performance.
Objective of the study
This research study focused on the enhancement of
students’ performance through Buzz Session.
Specifically, it sought to answer the following
questions:
1. To determine the level of students’ level of
proficiency in Contact Center Services through a
pretest and a posttest in the following areas:
1.1. listening;
1.2. grammar;
1.3. writing; and
1.4. speaking;
1.4.1. voice;
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1.4.2. accent; and
1.4.3. conversational cues.
2. To determine the significant difference on the level of
students’ proficiency in the aforementioned areas in
the pretest and posttest after the 6-session
intervention.
6-Session
Modules
on
PRE-TEST Buzz Group POST-TEST
and
Clustering
Technique
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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Figure 1. Schematic diagram: Illustrates the concept of the
Conceptual Framework
study
This study illustrated the Schematic Diagram which was
the conceptual framework of the study. The study encompassed
the concepts of pre-test, post-test, and learning materials
as modules for six (6) sessions using the Buzz Group and
Clustering Technique in the discussion of instructional
concepts.
The first part deals with the identification of
learners who need intervention as determined from the
pretest results.
The identified learners will be exposed to the Buzz
Group and Clustering Technique as a strategy in a 6-session
module. The teaching strategy will enable the learners to be
actively engaged with the discussion, integrate new
information with previous learning, learn to communicate
effectively with each other aside from getting away from the
same old learning method [ CITATION Ism15 \l 13321 ]. With the
CENTRAL PHILIPPINES STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE SCHOOL
San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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advantages posed by the teaching strategy, it is expected to
gain positive results to the students’ academic performance.
The posttest will serve as the evaluation tool that
determines the success of the intervention. Results of the
pretest and the posttest will be used as bases for research
conclusion and recommendations.
Scope and Limitation of the Study
This study was conducted at Jimalalud National High
School, Jimalalud, Negros Oriental during the School Year
2018-2019. There were _______ students which composed the
population of the study who were low performing as
determined by the pretest.
The target population was limited to the Grade X
learners taking up CSC as a TLE major.
The administration of the posttest was dependent on the
accomplishment of the 6-session module in Contact Service
Center lessons utilizing the Buzz Group and Clustering
Technique.
Significance of the Study
The findings of this study will redound to the
effectiveness of Buzz Group and Clustering Technique to the
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GRADUATE SCHOOL
San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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level of proficiency of learners considering that
interventions set to remedy the problem on low performance
of students. Furthermore, the endeavor will be beneficial to
the following groups of individuals:
Students. The finding of this study is beneficial to
them for they can understand the lesson well, thus becoming
more independent in learning.
Teachers. The findings of this study serve as a bases
for the teacher to design learning activities focusing on
Buzz Grouping and Clustering Technique.
Principal. The finding of this study is a guide in
making the plans and programs to enhance pupils’ performance
through empowering and motivating teachers to design and
redesign teaching strategies and techniques that best fit to
the type of learners, thus improving the academic
performance of students that will in turn increase the
schools’ performance rating.
Schools Division Superintendent. The finding of this
study will be a basis for making plans and programs related
with the academic performance of students.
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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Parents. This study gives parents the awareness of the
impact of their cooperation in the school’s programs and
activities especially of their children’s educational needs.
Definition of Terms
In order to have full understanding of the variables
used in this study, the researcher deems it fit to define
the following terms:
Buzz Session. This term refers to a group of
cooperative learning technique consisting in the formation
of small discussion groups with the objective of developing
a specific task (idea generation, problem solving and so on)
or facilitating that a group of people reach a consensus on
their ideas about a topic in a specific period of time
(Phillips, D.J. & RENNER, P. (s.d.).
Knowledge. This term refers to a familiarity,
awareness, or understanding of someone or something, such as
facts, information, descriptions, or skills, which is
acquired through experience or education by perceiving,
discovering, or learning (Abhary, 2009)
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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Learning materials. This terms refers to a
"Teaching materials" used to describe the resources teachers
use to deliver instruction. Teaching materials can support
student learning and increase student success. (Jung, 2000).
Module. This term refers to a tool that provides course
materials in a logical, sequential, order, guiding students
through the content and assessments in the order specified
by the instructor. Instructors can insert formatted text,
files, weblinks, discussion topics, sssignments, tests &
quizzes, assessments and so on (Prof. Mary Corbin Sies).
Student performance. This terms refers to a case method
course may be assessed along a variety of dimensions including
class participation, individual written work on papers and exams,
and group activities such as projects and presentations (Ziedner,
Mosche, 1998).
Academic Proficiency. The term is defined as mastery of a
specific behavior or skill demonstrated by consistently superior
performance, measured against established or popular standards
[ CITATION na19 \l 13321 ]
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GRADUATE SCHOOL
San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This part contains different researches and literature
that are related to this study. These support the questions
that were formulated to this study, the effect of Buzz Group
and Clustering Technique to the academic proficiency of
learners in Grade X on Contact Center Services.
Buzz Session
A buzz group is a small group discussion technique
which is used to help overcome the problem of silence in
group situations and to ensure that everyone gets a chance
to contribute to the discussion, within a specific period of
time. It is also beneficial because it gives all
participants the space and freedom to express themselves
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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equally, thus ensuring that as many creative voices as
possible contribute to solving the problem in question.
Large groups may be divided into buzz groups in order
to maximize participation. Groups work separately either on
the same theme or on separate themes. Each group appoints a
spokesperson to report the results of the discussion to the
larger group. The typical buzz-group technique is to split
the class arbitrarily into small groups and assign each
group an objective. Usually a total of six or eight students
in a group are optimal.
Gangel (2005) stresses the advantages, disadvantages,
and limitation of the Buzz Group Technique.
Advantages of the Buzz Group:
1) It allows everyone’s ideas to be expressed. 2)
Participants learn to work in real-life situations where
others’ opinions are considered. 3) It sets the groundwork
to get discussion started 4) Because members are expressing
opinions, it is good for dealing with controversial subject.
Disadvantages of the Buzz Group:
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1) Effectiveness of the group may be lowered by the
immature behavior of a few. 2) It may not be effective for
younger groups or groups that know each other to well take
each other’s opinions seriously. 3) It can be time-consuming
when dealing with very large groups.
Limitation of the Buzz Group
1) The group must be well prepared by the teacher in
order to keep the group on topic. 2) It is not intended to
be a full meeting but used as a supplement to other methods.
The Procedure of Buzz Group Technique
According to Handoko (2017), to increase students’
involvement in discussion and to obtain the benefit of
everyone’s ideas, the class may be divided into small group
of six (or some other small number). First, a teacher should
explain the specific question to be addressed by the groups
and make certain that everyone understand what is to be
discussed. It everyone does not understand before discussion
begin, many problems can develop. The topic must also be
simple enough that students do not become discourage in
trying to discuss it in so short time.
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The teacher should select or ask each group to select a
leader and a recorder. Taking the responsibility for
designating competent leaders and recorders can be evaluable
learning experience for students. Students should be
oriented beforehand to the responsibilities of the leader to
make sure that the group sticks to the topic and that all
group members participate. In addition, they need to
understand the importance of the records job of keeping
accurate written records of key items discussed.
Students should be oriented beforehand to the
responsibilities of the leader and recorder. They must
understand that it is the job of the leader to make sure
that the groups stick to the topic and that all group
members participate. In addition, they need to understand
the importance of the recorder’s job of keeping accurate
written records of key items discussed and decision reached
and of reporting this information to the total group.
The discussion or “buzzing” should proceed for the
short period of time previously designated. The leader
should encourage less aggressive individuals to join in the
discussion, so that a few highly verbal students do not
CENTRAL PHILIPPINES STATE UNIVERSITY
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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control the discussion and prevent good group interaction.
While the discussion proceeds, the teacher should monitor
the progress being made in each buzz group by circulating
among the groups. At the end of the discussion, the teacher
summarizes briefly and make positive link with happens next
[ CITATION Han17 \l 13321 ].
Buzz group is a cooperative learning technique
In the formation of small discussion groups with the
objective of developing a specific task (idea generation,
problem solving and so on) or facilitating that a group of
people reach a consensus on their ideas about a topic in a
specific period of time. So, buzz groups allow covering the
discussion about different aspects referred to the same
study themes, maximizing the possibilities of partition of
the members of the group.
After the initial presentation of the task to be
developed, big groups are divided into smaller groups, among
three and six people. Each group names a spokesperson to
inform the rest of the groups about the results of the
discussion of their group.
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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According to Phillips, 2004 developed the buzz session
by his ‘66’ formula had groups of six talking for six
minutes) and later by Maier (1963 – with different formulae)
as a way of encouraging members of an audience to submit
questions, etc., to a speaker or panel. It can work with
large groups of, say, 20-100 people, either in a large flat-
floor room or in a room with rapid access to sufficient
small break-out rooms for the audience to be able to break
up into groups of 6-12 people.
1. In advance, plan the problem statement, and what you
want the groups to do with it. The statement and task must
appear relevant, be able to catch the groups’ interest,
match the group’s ability and experience, be narrow enough
to keep discussions focused, and yet also open enough to
trigger lively discussion. 2. At an appropriate point, the
problem statement and task are described, and a time limit
is set. Phillips recommended six minutes, but 20–30 minutes
is usually more realistic. 3. The leader states the
preferred number of groups and group size. Participants
divide up informally. Phillips recommended 6 per group, but
it depends on things like break-out space, and the
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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acceptable number of closing feedback presentations. A
meeting of 25 people might give seven groups of three or
four; one of 100 might give ten groups of eight to twelve.
4. The groups go to their designated break-out location.
Phillips recommends that they then elect a chairperson and a
secretary/spokesperson to record and report back what
happens, but Maier prefers the group structure to be
completely informal. 5. The groups discuss the issue,
suggest ideas, and plan their report. 6. At the agreed time,
everybody reconvenes, and each spokesperson in turn feeds
back his or her group’s results. Timing must be tightly
managed. 7. There may be a subsequent plenary discussion,
and/or the detailed notes from all groups may be collected
together for subsequent collation and evaluation.
This widely used formula has two serious weak points:
1.) Unless sub-group members are skilled self-managers, 30
minutes. is inadequate for group formation, so sub-group
discussion can easily be superficial and poorly focused. 2.)
The secretary/spokesperson’s plenary presentation is the
crucial link between subgroup and plenary meeting. It is
often rushed, limited and misleading.
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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Buzz sessions can be good for networking and
stimulating grass-roots discussion about important issues,
but poor as a direct channel from buzz group members to
senior decision makers (and, indeed, can be used cynically,
to create the illusion that senior people are listening to
the grass-roots). Methods for overcoming this bottle-neck
include: 1.) Getting decision-making team members to sit in
as buzz group observers. 2.) Providing skilled ‘committee
secretary’ support for each buzz group, so that the
secretary/spokesperson offers recording/reporting skills,
but does not take part in the discussion (cf. the
‘information butlers’ in Meta plan information markets). 3.)
Using methods that record buzz-group members’ ideas in
writing, which can be subsequently gathered, collated and
analyzed.
Discussion Methods
Discussion methods are a variety of forums for open-
ended, collaborative exchange of ideas among a teacher and
students or among students for the purpose of furthering
students thinking, learning, problem solving, understanding,
or literary appreciation. Participants present multiple
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points of view, respond to the ideas of others, and reflect
on their own ideas in an effort to build their knowledge,
understanding, or interpretation of the matter at hand.
Discussions may occur among members of a dyad, small
group, or whole class and be teacher-led or student-led.
They frequently involve discussion of a written text, though
discussion can also focus on a problem, issue, or topic that
has its basis in a “text” in the larger sense of the term
(e.g., a discipline, the media, societal norm). Other terms
for discussions used for pedagogical purposes are
instructional conversations and substantive conversations.
[ CITATION Hal11 \l 13321 ].
A defining feature of discussion is that students have
considerable agency in the construction of knowledge,
understanding, or interpretation. In other words, they have
considerable “interpretive authority” for evaluating the
plausibility or validity of participants’ responses.
Brainstorming Session
Brainstorming is a group creativity technique by which
efforts are made to find a conclusion for a specific problem
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by gathering a list of ideas spontaneously contributed by
its members.
In other words, brainstorming is a situation where a
group of people meet to generate new ideas and solutions
around a specific domain of interest by removing
inhibitions. People are able to think more freely and they
suggest many spontaneous new ideas as possible. All the
ideas are noted down and those ideas are not criticized and
after brainstorming session the ideas are evaluated. The
term was popularized by Alex Faickney Osborn in the
book Applied Imagination.
Advertising executive Alex F. Osborn began developing
methods for creative problem-solving.[1] He was frustrated by
employees’ inability to develop creative ideas individually
for ad campaigns. In response, he began hosting group-
thinking sessions and discovered a significant improvement
in the quality and quantity of ideas produced by employees.
He first termed the process as organized ideation and was
later dubbed by participants as "brainstorm sessions",
taking the concept after the use of "the brain to storm a
problem."[2] During the period when Osborn made his concept,
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he started writing on creative thinking, and the first
notable book where he mentioned the term brainstorming is
"How to Think Up".[3] Osborn outlined his method in the
book Your Creative Power in chapter 33, "How to Organize a
Squad to Create Ideas".
One of Osborne's key recommendations was for all the
members of the brainstorming group to be provided with a
clear statement of the problem to be addressed prior to the
actual brainstorming session. He also explained that the
guiding principle is that the problem should be simple and
narrowed down to a single target. Here, brainstorming is not
believed to be effective in complex problems because of a
change in opinion over the desirability of restructuring
such problems. While the process can address the problems in
such a situation, tackling all of them may not be feasible.
Osborn Method of Session
Osborn (2005) notes that brainstorming should address a
specific question; he held that sessions addressing multiple
questions were inefficient.
Further, the problem must require the generation of
ideas rather than judgment; he uses examples such as
CENTRAL PHILIPPINES STATE UNIVERSITY
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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generating possible names for a product as proper
brainstorming material, whereas analytical judgments such as
whether or not to marry do not have any need for
brainstorming.
Group
Osborn envisioned groups of around 12 participants,
including both experts and novices. Participants are
encouraged to provide wild and unexpected answers. Ideas
receive no criticism or discussion. The group simply provide
ideas that might lead to a solution and apply no analytical
judgment as to the feasibility. The judgments are reserved
for a later date.
Nominal group technique
Participants are asked to write their ideas
anonymously. Then the facilitator collects the ideas and the
group votes on each idea. The vote can be as simple as a
show of hands in favor of a given idea. This process is
called distillation.
After distillation, the top ranked ideas may be sent
back to the group or to subgroups for further brainstorming.
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For example, one group may work on the color required in a
product. Another group may work on the size, and so forth.
Each group will come back to the whole group for ranking the
listed ideas. Sometimes ideas that were previously dropped
may be brought forward again once the group has re-evaluated
the ideas.
It is important that the facilitator be trained in this
process before attempting to facilitate this technique. The
group should be primed and encouraged to embrace the
process. Like all team efforts it may take a few practice
sessions to train the team in the method before tackling the
important ideas.
Group passing technique
Each person in a circular group writes down one idea,
and then passes the piece of paper to the next person, who
adds some thoughts. This continues until everybody gets his
or her original piece of paper back. By this time, it is
likely that the group will have extensively elaborated on
each idea.
The group may also create an "idea book" and post a
distribution list or routing slip to the front of the book.
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On the first page is a description of the problem. The first
person to receive the book lists his or her ideas and then
routes the book to the next person on the distribution list.
The second person can log new ideas or add to the ideas of
the previous person. This continues until the distribution
list is exhausted. A follow-up "read out" meeting is then
held to discuss the ideas logged in the book. This technique
takes longer, but it allows individuals time to think deeply
about the problem.
Team idea mapping method
This method of brainstorming works by the method
of association. It may improve collaboration and increase
the quantity of ideas, and is designed so that all attendees
participate and no ideas are rejected.
The process begins with a well-defined topic. Each
participant brainstorms individually, then all the ideas are
merged onto one large idea map. During this consolidation
phase, participants may discover a common understanding of
the issues as they share the meanings behind their ideas.
During this sharing, new ideas may arise by the association,
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and they are added to the map as well. Once all the ideas
are captured, the group can prioritize and/or take action.
Directed brainstorming
Directed brainstorming is a variation of electronic
brainstorming (described below). It can be done manually or
with computers. Directed brainstorming works when the
solution space (that is, the set of criteria for evaluating
a good idea) is known prior to the session. If known, those
criteria can be used to constrain the ideation process
intentionally.
In directed brainstorming, each participant is given
one sheet of paper (or electronic form) and told the
brainstorming question. They are asked to produce one
response and stop, then all of the papers (or forms) are
randomly swapped among the participants. The participants
are asked to look at the idea they received and to create a
new idea that improves on that idea based on the initial
criteria. The forms are then swapped again and respondents
are asked to improve upon the ideas, and the process is
repeated for three or more rounds.
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In the laboratory, directed brainstorming has been
found to almost triple the productivity of groups over
electronic brainstorming.
Guided brainstorming
A guided brainstorming session is time set aside to
brainstorm either individually or as a collective group
about a particular subject under the constraints of
perspective and time. This type of brainstorming removes all
cause for conflict and constrains conversations while
stimulating critical and creative thinking in an engaging,
balanced environment.
Participants are asked to adopt different mindsets for
pre-defined period of time while contributing their ideas to
a central mind map drawn by a pre-appointed scribe. Having
examined a multi-perspective point of view, participants
seemingly see the simple solutions that collectively create
greater growth. Action is assigned individually.
Following a guided brainstorming session participants
emerge with ideas ranked for further brainstorming, research
and questions remaining unanswered and a prioritized,
assigned, actionable list that leaves everyone with a clear
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understanding of what needs to happen next and the ability
to visualize the combined future focus and greater goals of
the group.
Individual brainstorming
"Individual brainstorming" is the use of brainstorming
in solitary situations. It typically includes such
techniques as free writing, free speaking, word association,
and drawing a mind map, which is a visual note taking
technique in which people diagram their thoughts. Individual
brainstorming is a useful method in creative writing and has
been shown to be superior to traditional group
brainstorming.
Question brainstorming
This process involves brainstorming the questions, rather
than trying to come up with immediate answers and short term
solutions. Theoretically, this technique should not inhibit
participation as there is no need to provide solutions. The
answers to the questions form the framework for constructing
future action plans. Once the list of questions is set, it
may be necessary to prioritize them to reach to the best
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solution in an orderly way."Questorming" is another term for
this mode of inquiry.
Methods to improving brainstorming sessions
There a number of ways that groups can improve the
effectiveness and quality of their brainstorming sessions.
1.) Avoiding face-to-face groups. Using face-to-face groups
can increase production blocking, evaluation apprehension,
social matching and social loafing. 2.) Stick to the rules.
Brainstorming rules should be followed, and feedback should
be given to members that violate these rules. Violations of
brainstorming rules tend to lead to mediocre ideas. 3.) Pay
attention to everyone’s ideas. People tend to pay more
attention to their own ideas, however brainstorming requires
exposure to the ideas of others. A method to encourage
members to pay attention to others’ ideas is to make them
list the ideas out or ask them to repeat others’ ideas. 4.)
Include both individual and group approaches. One method
that helps members integrate their ideas into the group is
brain writing. This is where members write their ideas on a
piece of paper and then pass it along to others who add
their own ideas. 5.) Take breaks. Allow silence during group
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discussions so that members have time to think things
through. 6.) Do not rush. Allow lots of time for members to
complete the task. Although working under pressure tends to
lead to more solutions initially, the quality is usually
lower than if more time is spent on the task. 7.) Stay
persistent. Members should stay focused and persist at the
task even when productivity is low. 8.) Facilitate the
session. A skilled discussion leader should lead and
coordinate the brainstorming sessions. This leader can
motivate members, correct mistakes, and provide a clear
standard of work. They can also be used to keep track of all
the ideas and make sure that these ideas are available to
everyone.
Alternatives to brainstorming
If brainstorming does not work for your group, there
are some alternatives that you could use instead.
1.) Buzz groups. Larger groups can form subgroups that come
up with ideas when the larger group is stumped. Afterwards,
these subgroups come back together and discuss their ideas
as a whole group. 2.) Bug list. Group members write down all
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the little problems or irritations concerning the issue they
are working on, and then the group discusses solutions for
each of these “bugs”. 3.) Stepladder technique. A method
where new members state their ideas before listening to the
group’s position. 4.) Synectics. A leader guides the group
and discusses their goals, wishes, and frustrations using
analogies, metaphors, and fantasy.
Challenges to effective group brainstorming
A good deal of research refutes Osborn's claim that
group brainstorming could generate more ideas than
individuals working alone.[10] For example, in a review of 22
studies of group brainstorming, Michael Diehl and Wolfgang
Stroebe found that, overwhelmingly, groups brainstorming
together produce fewer ideas than individuals working
separately. However, this conclusion is brought into
question by a subsequent review of 50 studies by Scott G.
Isaksen showed that a misunderstanding of the tool, and weak
application of the methods (including lack of facilitation),
and the artificiality of the problems and groups undermined
most such studies, and the validity of their conclusions.
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Several factors can contribute to a loss of effectiveness in
group brainstorming.
Blocking
Because only one participant may give an idea at any
one time, other participants might forget the idea they were
going to contribute or not share it because they see it as
no longer important or relevant. Further, if we view
brainstorming as a cognitive process in which "a participant
generates ideas (generation process) and stores them in
short-term memory (memorization process) and then eventually
extracts some of them from its short-term memory to express
them (output process)", then blocking is an even more
critical challenge because it may also inhibit a person's
train of thought in generating their own ideas and
remembering them.
Collaborative fixation. Exchanging ideas in a group
may reduce the number of domains that a group explores for
additional ideas. Members may also conform their ideas to
those of other members, decreasing the novelty or variety of
ideas, even though the overall number of ideas might not
decrease
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Evaluation apprehension. Evaluation apprehension was
determined to occur only in instances of personal
evaluation. If the assumption of collective assessment were
in place, real-time judgment of ideas, ostensibly an
induction of evaluation apprehension, failed to induce
significant variance.
Free-writing. Individuals may feel that their ideas are
less valuable when combined with the ideas of the group at
large. Indeed, Diehl and Stroebe demonstrated that even when
individuals worked alone, they produced fewer ideas if told
that their output would be judged in a group with others
than if told that their output would be judged individually.
However, experimentation revealed free-writing as only a
marginal contributor to productivity loss, and type of
session (i.e., real vs. nominal group) contributed much
more.
Personality characteristics. Extroverts have been shown
to outperform introverts in computer mediated groups.
Extroverts also generated more unique and diverse ideas than
introverts when additional methods were used to stimulate
idea generation, such as completing a small related task
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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before brainstorming, or being given a list of the classic
rules of brainstorming.
Social matching. One phenomenon of group brainstorming
is that participants will tend to alter their rate of
productivity to match others in the group. This can lead to
participants generating fewer ideas in a group setting than
they would individually because they will decrease their own
contributions if they perceive themselves to be more
productive than the group average. On the other hand, the
same phenomenon can also increase an individual's rate of
production to meet the group average.
CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter includes the research design, participants
of the study, distribution of the study, sampling
techniques, data gathering instrument, validity and
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GRADUATE SCHOOL
San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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reliability of instrument, data gathering procedure, and
data analysis.
Research Design
This quasi-experimental design utilized the pretest and
posttest to determine the effectiveness of the Buzz Group
and Clustering Technique used as a strategy in a 6-session
module in Contact Center Service (a major field of
specialization in Technology and Home Economics) to the
level of proficiency of Grade X students in Jimalalud
National High School, Jimalalud, Negros Oriental for the
school year 2019-2020.
Experimental methods provide insight the cause and effect by
demonstrating what outcome occurs when a particular factor
is manipulated.
Participants of the Study
There are ________ groups of students which is composed
of four (4) students in each group. These respondents are
Grade X students of Jimalalud National High School,
Jimalalud, Negros Oriental, taking up Contact Center
Services as TLE major for the School Year, 2018-2019. The
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GRADUATE SCHOOL
San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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choice of the respondents is determined by the pretest
results.
Sampling Technique of the Study
There are______groups of students which composed of (4)
learners used in this study are the regular students of the
Jimalalud National High School. Sampling technique is
purposive sampling, which is a sampling technique where the
researcher relies on his or her own judgment when choosing
members of population to participate in the study [ CITATION
Dudny \l 13321 ].
Data Gathering Instrument
A pretest and posttest were chosen as data collection
instrument. It consisted mostly of multiple choice questions
using four options (a-d). The language used in the
questionnaire is English for the study deals about Contact
Center Services. The information would assist the researcher
when interpreting the results of the study (i.e. students’
efficiency). Questions assessing knowledge about CCS, its
concepts, terminologies, real-work situations and responses
will be included. Instruction guidelines are attached to the
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GRADUATE SCHOOL
San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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material to guide the subjects as to whether to circle or
check the chosen responses.
Validity and Reliability of the Instrument
The researcher uses a teacher-made data gathering
instrument, validated by the principal a school head and two
other secondary school teachers with Master of Arts in
education units using the Good and Scates Validation
Instrument.
Correspondingly, the research instrument is also
validated using Cronbach’s alpha measure of internal
consistency with reliability coefficient of .828 which
suggests that the items have relatively high internal
consistency and therefore considered ‘acceptable’.
Data Gathering Procedure
The researcher uses the quasi-experimental method to
determine the effect of buzz session on students’
performance. With the pretest administered, data gathered,
checked, and low performing learners identified, modules on
using the buzz session and clustering technique will be
introduced to the students.
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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The researcher made a letter of permission to the
principal to conduct a research on the effect of the buzz
session and clustering technique to the academic proficiency
in Contact Center Services students in Grade X- T.L.E.
Another letter will also be sent to the District Supervisor
and up to the Schools Division Superintendent of the Negros
oriental Division so as to uphold the ethics of research.
In the same manner, students will also be given an
orientation on the process and conduct of the research for
an informed consent.
All students in the aforementioned section will be take
the pretest. Test results will identify the respondents of
the study. After the identification of the subjects of the
study, they will be given an orientation on the conduct of
the research procedure.
For one month, the students will be exposed to the buzz
session and clustering technique during their classes in CCS
using the module designed by the researcher. They will not
be always exposed by the buzz and clustering technique for
it is not advisable to use the strategy all the time to
avoid boredom or the purpose of the study will be defeated.
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During each session, groups will be given the module
and one leader will serve as a facilitator to lead in the
activities suggested in the learning material and encourage
a full participation of all the members of the group.
After the 6-session experimental period, respondents
will be given the posttest to check the increase of learning
proficiency in all the areas of CCS. Data will be tallied,
compared and analyzed for implication, interpretation for
conclusion and recommendations.
Data Analysis
To ascertain the level of proficiency at which the
student is performing in the pretest and posttest shall be
based on the criteria set by the Department of Education in
DepEd Order No. 73, s.2012 (Education, 2012).
1. For problem 1 – the learners’ level of proficiency will
be based on the given specifications:
Percentage. This will be used to show how a part is
related to a whole. It is used in presenting the level of
proficiency of students.
Mean. This will be used in getting the extent
of performance of the respondents.
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The level of proficiency at which the student is performing
shall be based on the following criteria (DepEd Order No.
73, s.2012).
Rating Verbal Explanation
Equivalent
90% and above Advanced The student at this
level exceeds the
core requirements in
terms of knowledge,
skills and
understanding, and
can transfer them
automatically and
flexibly through
authentic
performance tasks.
85%-89% Proficient The student in this
level has developed
the fundamental
knowledge and skills
and core
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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understandings, and
can transfer them
independently
through authentic
performance tasks.
80%-84% Approaching The student at this
level has developed
the Proficiency
fundamental
knowledge and skills
and core
understandings, and
with little guidance
from the teacher
and/or with some
assistance from
peers, and can
transfer these
understandings
through authentic
performance tasks.
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GRADUATE SCHOOL
San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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75%-79% Developing The student at
this level
possesses the
minimum knowledge
and skills and
core understandings,
but needs help
throughout the
performance of
authentic tasks.
74% down Beginning The student at this
level struggles with
his/her
understanding;
prerequisite and
fundamental
knowledge and/or
skills have not been
acquired or
developed adequately
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GRADUATE SCHOOL
San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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to aid
understanding.
The Pretest will be conducted to all students taking up
Call Center Service (CSC) as a major in Technology and Home
Economics (TLE) to determine the level of proficiency.
Results were based on the criteria set by Department of
Education (DepEd) Order No. 73, s.2012) that specifies the
rating, the verbal equivalent and the explanation.
For learners whose level of proficiency were
Developing (with a numerical rating of 75-79) and Beginning
(with a numerical rating of 74 and below), they were given
the aforementioned 6-session intervention modules
strategizing the Buzz Group and Clustering Technique.
Henceforth, a posttest was administered to determine the
effectiveness of the instructional intervention.
Statistical Treatment
For the statistical treatment of data, the quantitative
research method will be utilized. The grouped data will be
treated statistically using the following procedure:
1.) To determine the level of academic proficiency of
learners in CCS, pretest and posttest scores shall be
CENTRAL PHILIPPINES STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE SCHOOL
San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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transmuted to grades in percentage using the DepEd
guidelines. A mean average grade will be determined to
represent the over-all proficiency level.
2.) To determine the significant difference between the pre
and posttest results in problem 2, the t test of
correlated means will be utilized.
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GRADUATE SCHOOL
San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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References:
Dudovskiy, J. (n.y.). Purposive Sampling. Retrieved from Research-Methodology:
https://research-methodology.net/sampling-in-primary-data-collection/purposive-
sampling/
Halverson, L. R. (2011). Tharp & Gallimore: Instructional Conversations. Lisa R. Halverson.
Handoko, M. D. (2017, March 4). Concept of Buzz Group. Retrieved from Igro Metro:
iqrometro.co.id/concept-of-buzz-group.html
Ismail, S. G. (2015). Buzz Group and Brainstorming as a Teaching Strategies. Academia.edu.
n.a. (2019). businessdictionary.com. Retrieved from Business Dictionary.
Taladua, C. O. (2017). Managing CCS. n.c.
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GRADUATE SCHOOL
San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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APPENDICES
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GRADUATE SCHOOL
San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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Appendix A
TRANSMITTAL LETTER
January 7, 2019
WILFREDA D. BONGALOS, Ph.D., CESO V
Schools Division Superintendent
Division of Negros Oriental
Dumaguete City
Madam:
Greetings of peace and goodwill!
The undersigned is conducting a study on Enhancing Students’
performance Through Buzz Sessions in the District of Jimalalud in
relation to the requirements of the master’s degree at the Graduate
School of Central Philippines State University where I am presently
enrolled.
In this connection, may I ask for your approval to further pursue
this endeavor in order to assess the effectiveness of the teaching
strategy?
Rest assured that the data gathered will be confidentially kept and
will be used only for the purpose of this study.
Thank you very much for your kind consideration and approval to this
request.
Very truly yours,
CHRISTINA O. DELA CRUZ
Researcher
Noted:
Adviser
Recommending Approval:
JIJI S. TALADUA ERNESTO C. PACULANANG, ED.D.
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School Head Public Schools District
Supervisor
Approved by:
WILFREDA D. BONGALOS, Ph.D., CESO V
Schools Division Superintendent
Appendix B
DATA GATHERING TOOL
PRETEST/POSTTEST
GENERAL DIRECTIONS: The test is composed of four categories;
LISTENING, WRITING, GRAMMAR, AND SPEAKING. Read carefully
each of the test instructions and follow religiously to come
up with the correct responses.
LISTENING
Directions: Each item is a multiple-choice question with
four answer choices lettered A-D. Read each question and
answer carefully by encircling the letter of the correct
answer.
1. When engaged in a telephone conversation, which of the
following actions does not show that a Contact Center
Service provider pays attention to the customer?
A. Clicking the pen while talking to the customer.
B. Giving the customer an undivided attention.
C. Understanding the concerns of the customer.
D. None of the above.
2. How can a CCS agent assure the client in a phone
conversation that he/she is listening?
A. Nod to the customer occasionally.
B. Smile to the customer all the time.
C. Use verbal comments such as ‘yes’ or ‘uh huh’.
D. Tell the customer that you are listening.
3. When providing a feedback to a client, which of the
following is not an appropriate thing to say?
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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A. What I am hearing is…
B. Let me just repeat that….
C. Is this what you mean?
D. Can you repeat it?
4. What message is being sent when a CCS provider interrupts
the customer while talking?
A. ‘You are more important than me.’
B. ‘Your ideas are better than mine.’
C. ‘I really care about what you think.’
D. ‘Stop talking and listen to me.’
5. Which of the following statements does not entail active
listening?
A. It is not just listening to the words but also trying
to understand the whole message sent.
B. It involves making sounds that indicate attentiveness.
C. It is giving feedback in the form of a paraphrased
rendition of what has been said by the other party for
their confirmation.
D. It can be done by having a background music to keep
the client entertained.
WRITING
Directions: The succeeding items will test your grammar
skills. Underline the correct word from the given choices
to complete each of the following sentence.
6. Call centers within the pharmaceutical industry (is,
are) increasingly being challenged to satisfy customer
inquiries.
7. According to a recent research by benchmarking firm,
there (is, are) many gaps in adoption of social media
platforms within consumer health call centers.
8. There is unlimited supply of coffee (to, of, for) call
center agents.
9. Working in a call center might seem a/an (easy,
hardworking) job.
10. If we meet at 9:30, we (can have, should have) plenty
of time.
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San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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GRAMMAR
Directions: This section assesses your writing skills in
all types of communication. Provide what is asked for in
each of the given items.
For item number 11- Carefully read the paragraph and
identify the narrowed topic. Then underline the author's
sentence containing the main idea.
Consumers concerned about the hazards of noise can
reduce noise pollution in many ways. They can purchase
noisy products such as garbage disposals and lawn mowers
with reduced noise levels. They can also use sound
absorbing materials in their home. Carpeting can be
installed instead of hard flooring, and cork and fabric
can be used in rooms that tend to be noisy. Also, people
can become less noisy themselves. They can learn to avoid
shouting, to close doors without slamming them, and to
play radios, TV, and stereos at moderate levels.
For item number 12, edit the text message below to come up
with a formal message.
Miting @ 2pm. C u @ d conf rum :D
_________________________________________________________.
For number 13, rewrite the sentence incorporating correct
punctuations.
A well loved teacher from UP who seemed preoccupied
answered our questions abruptly
For item number 14, underline the correct transition
marker that will complete the statement.
The report has been submitted, (as well as, even though,
for example) the receipt was not yet found.
For item number 15, identify the sentence pattern of the
given statement.
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The customer complained the late delivery.
SPEAKING
Directions: This section of the test is divided into four
sub-categories; STRESS, INTONATION, BLENDING, and PHRASING
WHICH measure speaking or paralanguage cues. Provide what is
asked for in each item.
16. What is the correct stress of the word ‘geography’?
__________________________
17. What type of intonation is used in the following
sentence, ‘Is the shipping address same as the billing
address?’
_______________________________________
18. Give the appropriate blending of the statement, ‘Did you
like it?’ _________________________________
19. What is the proper phrasing of the statement
‘We do have an available room in the 22nd of October.’
20. What is the correct syllabication of the word
‘approximation’? ____________________
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Appendix C
MODULE IN CONTACT CENTER SERVICE
MODULE 3
COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY IN ENGLISH
Overview
What do you do when you want to express yourself? You
speak, don’t you? Language reflects not only the physical
you but also what you are! Hence, in order to portray the
real you, you will have to be an expert of the language
acknowledged universally – English.
Effective communication can be achieved in two actions –
learning concepts and practicing skills. They can be very
challenging and interesting especially when learning
activities are set by groups.
Communicating in English involves macro skills –
listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These skills are
needed in Contact Center Service students to step up to the
challenges and meet the work standards of CCS.
This module will help you learn communicate in English
effectively collaboratively with your peers at the same time
develop independence in learning.
CENTRAL PHILIPPINES STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE SCHOOL
San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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OBJECTIVES
After working on the activities in this module, you will
be able to:
analyze communication process;
communicate and listen effectively; and
use paralanguage communication cues.
SESSION 1:
In this section of the module, you will be assigned into
groups to for a pre-assessment of your English communication
skills. You are given 20 minutes to do this task. Please
encourage a maximum participation of all group members to
come up with an average performance of your group. Follow
instructions per activity for your group performance.
PRE-ASSESSMENT (Buzz Groups)
Let us first assess your entry level knowledge and skills
regarding this lesson. It is important to communicate this
information to your group mates. Listen too for their
results to be able to be aware of the group members’
strengths and weaknesses. Do this for 20 minutes.
I. SURVEY 1
Oral Communication Skills
This survey provides opportunities for you to check areas
of your oral communication skills. It is a guide to help you
diagnose your strengths and difficulties. On each item, rate
yourself on the scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest. Do
this on a separate sheet of paper.
Elements of Parameter Rating
Oral
Communication
I do not have problems in
Consonants pronouncing any consonants or
clusters.
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I can pronounce vowel sounds
Vowels clearly and fluently.
Syllables I can clearly pronounce syllables
and/or and grammatical endings as –d and
grammatical –ed.
endings
My word stress falls on the right
Word Stress syllables all the time.
Rhythm in I speak in a natural rhythm that
sentences does not sound abrupt or choppy.
Focus and I use emphatic stress to indicate
special key words, contrasts, (not
emphasis only/all), etc.
(Prominence)
Intonation/ My tome rises and falls in the
Pitch appropriate parts of my statement.
I do not sound monotonous.
Thought groups I pause at commas and other
and linking appropriate parts of the
statement.
Delivery (rate I am aware when to speak loud,
of speech, soft, fast, or slow.
loudness)
My Score: ________
II. SURVEY 2
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS
For each item below, please rate your abilities in a
scale of 1-5 (5 being the highest). Do this on a separate
sheet of paper.
1 – never or almost never true for me
2 – usually not true for me
3 – somewhat true for me
4 – usually true for me
5 – always or almost always true for me
I can write a good paragraph. 1 2 3 4 5
I can use appropriate vocabulary 1 2 3 4 5
and word forms to effectively
communicate with the reader.
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I can use appropriate punctuations 1 2 3 4 5
in my sentences.
I know how to spell words, even 1 2 3 4 5
unfamiliar ones.
I can make self-corrections on my 1 2 3 4 5
grammar.
I can write quickly in English. 1 2 3 4 5
I can edit my writing to improve 1 2 3 4 5
the wording, grammar, punctuation,
and spelling.
I can arrange my ideas logically. 1 2 3 4 5
My Score: ___________
ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
SCORE LEVEL DESCRIPTION
Can vary intonation and place
76-90 Exceptional stress correctly in order to
express finer shades of meaning.
Has a clear, natural
61-75 Above-average pronunciation and intonation.
Pronunciation is comprehensible
46-60 Average even if accent is not neutralized
and occasional mispronunciations
occur.
Pronunciation is generally clear
enough to be understood despite a
31-45 Weak noticeable non-native English
speaker accent, but
conversational partners will need
to ask for repetition from time
to time.
Pronunciation is sometimes
difficult to understand by
30 and Poor conversation partners especially
below native English speakers because
of limited knowledge of tome,
stress and intonation.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
SCORE LEVEL DESCRIPTION
Can write clear, smoothly
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36-40 Exceptional flowing, complex sentences in a
logical structure which helps the
reader to easily find significant
points.
Can write clear, well-structured
31-35 Above-average sentences about a subject,
stating reasons and relevant
examples, and making an
appropriate conclusion.
Can write connected texts about
21-30 Average the same subject by linking a
series of shorter sentences into
a cohesive and coherent
paragraph.
Can write a series of simple
11-20 Weak phrases and sentences linked with
simple connectors.
10 and Poor Can write simple isolated phrases
below and sentences.
Now, with a reporter as your group representative, report
the group’s average communication level.
Now that you have assessed your group’s level of
communication skills, you may now start studying the
lessons. Keep in mind the specific areas that you need to
SESSION 2
This part of the module focuses on your speaking skills.
You will be working again in groups for listening
activities- discussions and tasks. Full cooperation among
your members is encouraged for a good output.
Note: The group facilitator must see to it that all members
will be speaking the English language during the discussion
to be able to master the target language.
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After completing the tasks set in this section, you will be
able to:
1. listen comprehensively to a recording to answer
questions;
2. differentiate hearing from listening;
3. discuss tips on how to improve listening skills and
become an active listener;
4. conduct an interview to a Contact Center services
agent;
5. transcribe the whole interview recording from beginning
to end; and
6. evaluate peer’s voice recording according to a set of
criteria.
LISTEN, TALK AND REFLECT
Task 1: Listen and Talk
1. Using a functional computer with an internet service,
follow the given URL:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/al/learningenglish/le
ap/listeningandspeaking/pronunciation/
2. Discuss the questions with your group mates and come up
with a common answer.
a. Give two reasons that make English pronunciation
difficult.
b. Choose three pieces of advice cited in the article
which you think will be helpful in improving your
pronunciation. Elaborate how these pieces of
advice can help you.
Task 2: Talk to Listen
This task will give you an opportunity to get an
insight on the life of a Contact Center Service provider.
Part 1: INTERVIEW
Step 1: Look for a person who works in the Contact Center
Services industry.
Step 2: Arrange an interview with him or her. The following
questions will serve as your guide for the
interview.
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Step 3: Conduct the interview in a place where there will be
less noise and distraction.
Step 4: Record your interview. Below are guide questions you
can use. You may add or modify the questions on the
list.
1. Describe the nature of your job.
2. How long have you been employed?
3. When at work, with whom do you communicate most
often?
4. Which communication pathway do you usually use to
communicate with your supervisor? co-workers?
customers/ clients?
5. Were there instances that you had difficulty
understanding your customer? Your supervisor?
6. What is the usual cause of the difficulty?
7. How did you resolve them?
8. What pieces of advice can you give to a student
like me who aspires to be a contact service
provider like you?
Step 5: Be sure to conduct the interview in English. Be
mindful of your pronunciation.
Part 2: THE TRANSCRIPTION
Step 6: Listen to your voice recording. Transcribe the whole
interview from beginning to end. Transcription should
be submitted together with the reflection.
Part 3: THE REFLECTION
Step 7: Listen to the recording of your interview. List or
note specific parts of the interview when you and
your interviewee did not fully understand each other.
Identify the cause (i.e., vague question, soft voice,
unclear pronunciation). Use the format below.
Instance Reason Solution
Rubric for Evaluation
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