Abstract:

The study discusses how students at University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT) in Bulgaria learn to present academically using the online program TrainTool. ULSIT participates in an international project, providing opportunity for university teachers from all over the world to integrate the Dutch program for soft skills in their courses for free. Through video role plays in the TrainTool module Presenting academically the Bulgarian students are practicing their communication skills unlimitedly, wherever and whenever they want to. The components included in the courses are three: Presentation techniques: (open posture, cadence, pitch, volume and articulation, pausing and abdominal breathing); Professional layout and approach (introduction, theoretical framework, methodology, analysis, results, discussion, conclusion) and Presenting 2.0 (formulating a goal, building suspense, anecdotes, exaggerating, pushing your limits). In the current study the trainees share their opinion about completing a lifelike situation in a few minutes, recording themselves, reflecting and practicing again, independent of place and time. Student’s level regarding each skill is assessed through self-appraisal and tests, resulting in a complete overview. A proven didactic model is used in the training encompassing the phases: imitate, understand, practice, reflect, share. Each role play consists of a preparation with an example and theory, a short conversational situation where the participant reacts to and self-appraisal. Thereafter the participant can unlimitedly make new recordings. A successful exercise can be shared with the coach and friends or fellow students in order to receive feedback. The reflections of the tutors (coaches) from ULSIT about the TrainTool program are also expressed in the study. Along with the benefits of the program, the existing problems for the trainees have been outlined and some options for resolving them are proposed.

Keywords:

Video role plays, TrainTool, soft skills, Bulgaria, academic presentations, students, coaches.