The Scientific Research Project (MAÜ.BAP.İİB.025) titled “Development of a Training Module to Contribute to the Self-Confidence of University Students by Supporting Their Verbal Communication Skills” carried out at Mardin Artuklu University (MAU) aims to develop the communication skills of students and increase their self-confidence.
As part of the project, which was approved on April 21, 2025, students from various faculties participated in a training program held at the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences from October 22–24, 2025. Designed with the contributions of academics from the disciplines of psychology, education, health, and economics/management, the training facilitated the students' multifaceted development.
The project, led by Prof. Dr. Mehmet Behzat Ekinci, a faculty member in the Department of Economic Development and International Economics, was notable for its interdisciplinary approach, applied teaching methods, and academic collaboration.
The project team included:
Lecturer Hayrettin Bilici (Guidance and Psychological Counseling),
Assoc. Prof. Muhammed Öz (Educational Administration),
Assoc. Prof. Serap Toprak Döşlü (Chemistry),
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pınar Çuhadar (Economic Policy),
Assoc. Member Çağlar Akçalı (Nutrition and Dietetics),
Res. Asst. Mehmet Özyurt (Health Management),
Lecturer Ferhat Demiralp (Management Information Systems), and
Res. Asst. Dr. Mehmet Dabakoğlu (Economic Development and International Economics).
Twenty-seven students from the departments of Economics, Business Administration, Political Science and International Relations, Nutrition and Dietetics, Theology, Turkish Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, Translation and Interpreting, Psychology, and Radio, Television, and Film participated in the project. A control group of 27 students was also formed to conduct a comparative evaluation.
During the training, students experienced a variety of innovative teaching techniques, from introductory sessions and the "cup game" application to the MODis-ARCS learning model and the flipped classroom.
The program combined theoretical knowledge with practice-based learning, helping students express themselves more effectively.
Project leader Prof. Dr. Mehmet Behzat Ekinci stated:
"Our goal is to strengthen our students' speaking skills, not only their courage to express themselves. This project aims to foster learning environments that foster self-confidence."
At the end of the training, participants and the project team were presented with certificates of participation and appreciation.
Following the analysis of the project data, the plan is to transform the resulting results into a standard training module that can be implemented at universities in the future.
Detailed information about the project can be found at https://www.artuklu.edu.tr/mau-bap-iib.
