Assessing Communication Skills Among Third-Semester Students in the Religious Extension Education Program

Abstract

Communication is a vital component in religious extension education, as it determines the success of delivering religious messages to society. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of communication assessment implementation for third-semester students of the Religious Extension Education Program at IAKN Tarutung. A qualitative approach with a descriptive method was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the communication evaluation process and its impact on students’ mastery of communication theory and practice. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and field practice documentation. The findings reveal that communication evaluation—implemented through written assignments, group discussions, presentations, and religious counseling simulations—significantly improved students’ communication competencies. Students became more confident, skilled in message structuring, and adaptive to diverse audiences. However, challenges remain, including limited practical facilities and insufficient integration of digital technology in the evaluation process. Therefore, the study recommends strengthening technology-based approaches and providing intensive training in the use of digital media as tools for religious communication. A contextually designed and future-oriented communication evaluation will serve as a strategic foundation in shaping professional, communicative, and socially responsive religious counselors. The findings are also expected to inform curriculum development and teaching methods in similar academic programs.