On the Importance of Written Communication Skills and Student Awareness

Abstract

Students often experience significant challenges in adopting discipline-specific terminology and conforming to related writing expectations that are embedded in course materials, assignments, and discussions. Further, although written communication skills are desired by employers and broadly recognized as critical to business success, students commonly underestimate the essential role of these skills in their careers. Additional research was needed in terms of what types of resources might improve both student writing and related awareness regarding the value of written communication skills. This chapter summarizes a study that examined an intervention in the form of a supplemental (in-course), self-paced, instructional unit designed to address the above-described challenge.