USM SPE 115 Students End Semester with Creative Final Presen
May 12, 2026
From documentaries and role play to interactive games and live audience engagement, USM students brought interpersonal communication to life during their final SPE 115 presentations.
Last week students enrolled in USM's SPE 115 Interpersonal Communication course concluded the semester with a series of creative and engaging final presentations that reflected both academic learning and real-world application.
The course, facilitated by USM instructor Shobhan Giterson, challenged students to move beyond traditional classroom presentations by working in groups to develop interactive final projects centered around communication, culture, relationships, and human behavior.
As part of the assignment, each student was required to invite at least three guests to attend the presentations, creating a lively and interactive atmosphere both in-person at USM and online with participating students from St. Eustatius who had been following the course remotely throughout the semester.
The final projects showcased a wide range of creativity and collaboration. One group produced a mini documentary based on field research and interviews conducted with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Another group created an interactive communication game, while another delivered a presentation that concluded with a “Family Feud”-style quiz involving audience participation. Students also tackled more complex social themes through dramatic role play presentations focused on toxic relationships and interpersonal dynamics.
To add further depth and professionalism to the assessments, students were evaluated by guest assessors from within the USM and wider St. Maarten community. Assessors included USM faculty member and author Mr. Kenver Regis, who recently released his book Good Loving: What Men Want in Women and What Women Want in Men (available on Amazon); USM alumna Ria Adams, who completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology; USM faculty member and proud alumna Claudia Connor of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS); and social worker Nkosazana Illis, who specialized in counseling and couples guidance in the Netherlands.
According to instructor Shobhan Giterson, the goal of the course was to ensure students connected communication theory with real-life experiences and social interactions.
“It is important that we prepare students for the real dynamics they face out in the real world,” Giterson shared. “Many times people judge others because of a lack of awareness or understanding about a particular culture or belief system. The more we understand each other and where people come from, the more respect and empathy we can develop.”
Throughout the semester, students were encouraged to conduct field research, interview persons from various cultural backgrounds, and reflect on how communication impacts everyday relationships and society.
Giterson noted that the final presentations not only highlighted what students learned during the 15-week course, but also demonstrated teamwork, adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving.
“It was really rewarding to see how students prepared, the challenges they encountered, and how they worked together to overcome them,” she added. “They made the projects real, relatable, and meaningful, not just for themselves, but also for the guests they invited.”
The presentations served as a strong conclusion to the semester, reflecting USM’s continued commitment to interactive learning, community engagement, and preparing students with practical skills that extend beyond the classroom.
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The course, facilitated by USM instructor Shobhan Giterson, challenged students to move beyond traditional classroom presentations by working in groups to develop interactive final projects centered around communication, culture, relationships, and human behavior.
As part of the assignment, each student was required to invite at least three guests to attend the presentations, creating a lively and interactive atmosphere both in-person at USM and online with participating students from St. Eustatius who had been following the course remotely throughout the semester.
The final projects showcased a wide range of creativity and collaboration. One group produced a mini documentary based on field research and interviews conducted with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Another group created an interactive communication game, while another delivered a presentation that concluded with a “Family Feud”-style quiz involving audience participation. Students also tackled more complex social themes through dramatic role play presentations focused on toxic relationships and interpersonal dynamics.
To add further depth and professionalism to the assessments, students were evaluated by guest assessors from within the USM and wider St. Maarten community. Assessors included USM faculty member and author Mr. Kenver Regis, who recently released his book Good Loving: What Men Want in Women and What Women Want in Men (available on Amazon); USM alumna Ria Adams, who completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology; USM faculty member and proud alumna Claudia Connor of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS); and social worker Nkosazana Illis, who specialized in counseling and couples guidance in the Netherlands.
According to instructor Shobhan Giterson, the goal of the course was to ensure students connected communication theory with real-life experiences and social interactions.
“It is important that we prepare students for the real dynamics they face out in the real world,” Giterson shared. “Many times people judge others because of a lack of awareness or understanding about a particular culture or belief system. The more we understand each other and where people come from, the more respect and empathy we can develop.”
Throughout the semester, students were encouraged to conduct field research, interview persons from various cultural backgrounds, and reflect on how communication impacts everyday relationships and society.
Giterson noted that the final presentations not only highlighted what students learned during the 15-week course, but also demonstrated teamwork, adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving.
“It was really rewarding to see how students prepared, the challenges they encountered, and how they worked together to overcome them,” she added. “They made the projects real, relatable, and meaningful, not just for themselves, but also for the guests they invited.”
The presentations served as a strong conclusion to the semester, reflecting USM’s continued commitment to interactive learning, community engagement, and preparing students with practical skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Latest News →
