Using student conferences as a form of authentic assessment to develop and enhance transferable communication skills in quantitative and data-driven disciplines - Evidence from a postgraduate public health program

Oct 15, 2026

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Globally, data volume and availability have expanded rapidly, increasing demand for graduates who can work effectively in quantitative and data-driven (QDD) environments. Beyond technical competence, postgraduate QDD learners must strengthen transferable communication skills for communicating complex ideas to non-expert audiences. This paper examines whether a student conference setting can enhance the authenticity and meaningfulness of oral presentations as assessment. An additional assessment was introduced in a postgraduate public health program; staff and student surveys were analyzed with descriptive statistics and content analysis, showing improved confidence and communication skill development.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

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Pages21

Reading Time53 min

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Examining tertiary education provision and workforce demands in public health

The Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability ISSN: 1838-3815 (online) Journal Homepage: [https://ojs.deakin.edu.au/index.php/jtlge/](https://ojs.deakin.edu.au/index.php/jtlge/) Using student conferences as a form of authentic assessment to develop and enhance transferable communication skills in quantitative and data-driven disciplines: Evidence from a postgraduate public health program Sharon Greenwood 1 Corresponding author: Sharon Greenwood ([Sharon.Greenwood@glasgow.ac.uk](Sharon.Greenwood@glasgow.ac.uk) ) 1 School of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow. Abstract Globally, the volume and availability of data has grown exponentially over the last few decades. In turn, workforces are looking for graduates to be well versed in working effectively with data, with the skills needed to work both efficiently and creatively within data-driven environments. This has been reflected within the context of higher education through the increased demand for specialist training and development in quantitative and data-driven (QDD) disciplines – particularly within postgraduate study. Graduates are expected not only to possess technical skills, but also ‘softer skills’, including multifaceted communication skills to communicate complex concepts with non-expert audiences. This paper considers how the environment of a student conference might amplify the authenticity and meaningfulness of oral presentations asan assessment format, while helping QDD students to develop and enhance their transferable communication skills. Following the introduction of an additional assessment to a postgraduate public health program, surveys were carried out with staff (n=11) and students (n=31) . Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results showed that the student conference environment assessment was meaningful for students and supported their communication skills development through the authentic delivery of oral presentations. The conference environment helped students build confidence, with 88%(n=22) finding it useful to practice presenting to peers, and 100%(n=26) feeling more confident about their work. This study, thus, illustrates a transferable and implementable approach for educators wishing to integrate a student conference assessment to develop students’ communication skills, particularly in QDD disciplines. Keywords authentic assessment, graduate skills, higher education, meaningful assessment, postgraduate degrees, public health, quantitative methods Introduction The need for training within quantitative and data-driven (QDD) disciplines has increased exponentially in response to the volume of data being generated globally (Han & Ren, 2024) . QDD disciplines are united in their use of numerical and statistical data, and span the natural sciences (e.g., Greenwood, S. (2025) . Using student conferences as a form of authentic assessment to develop and enhance transferable communication skills in quantitative and data-driven disciplines: Evidence from a postgraduate public health program. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 16(1), 18–38. 18 biology, chemistry), formal sciences (e.g., mathematics) and social sciences (e.g., sociology, psychology) . They are particularly prevalent within interdisciplinary areas; one example is public health (PH), defined as ‘the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals’ (Winslow, 1920, p. 30) . Public health (PH) affects many areas of life, from communicable diseases, such as COVID-19 and mpox (monkeypox), to non-communicable diseases, including cancer and diabetes, to mental health and wellbeing. These issues are compounded by wider, global concerns connected to social, political, economic a

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the study?

To evaluate how using a student conference environment as an authentic assessment can develop and enhance transferable communication skills in quantitative and data-driven disciplines.

What assessment approach was implemented in the postgraduate public health program?

An additional assessment based on student conference oral presentations was introduced, intended to increase authenticity and meaningfulness.

How were the survey results analyzed and what outcomes were found?

Survey data from staff and students were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis; findings indicated the conference assessment was meaningful and supported communication skills, including increased confidence.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Putri