The communication service practicum provides students with practical teaching experience in the area of public speaking. In this case, teaching the fundamentals of public speaking to children who have no prior experience.

This communication service practicum was active at Cornell before I began working here, but I am thrilled to be involved in the program. There is not a single population unaffected by the unique demands of public speaking and therefore the practicum should be a service that interests all parents of young children.

Each enrolled student teaches one or two children. The instruction culminates in a research presentation that the children present at 4-H`s County Days program.

The benefits of this program are almost entirely social, although the long-lasting effects will bleed into economic and academic change. This program provides invaluable instructional experience for our students which cannot be replaced by being an undergraduate teaching assistant. Additionally, the children in the program get a head start on concepts like research and organization. Participation is voluntary for the children, so this is not designed as a course for gifted children. As such, we see a similar degree of development from all of the students, which results in greater confidence and ability.

Communication Studies

4-H

Sam Nelson