Samantha,
Nice. We have to be aware of the lack of studying and reading for retention skills of our students. Providing opportunities for students to learn these skills is really important for their success.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
A technique I learned a while back was to have students set up a schedule outlining the items (pages) to be read and the Tnot exceed 15 minutes. Then have them to review what was read. This helps them to retain and comprehend the reading. They should take notes as needed.
Colleen,
I agree with you. Your interaction with students is crucial. You should model your expectations of the student. good post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I give the students my class expectations at the start of the course which provide guidance on how discussion boards will be assessed, as well as the format required for written assignments. I believe my interaction with students during discussion boards also encourages growth in communication skills. If problems arise in communication, I email or phone students to make suggestions for improvement.
Julie,
You make a great point. Many students are not taught to read with a purpose. You give them the guidance regarding that important skill. Good for you.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
How do I help my students improve their reading skills?
I encourage them to follow these steps before starting to read:
1. Read the title.
2. Read the first paragraph.
3. Read the subheadings, if applicable.
4. Read the first sentence of each of the middle, or body, paragraphs.
5. Read the entire concluding paragraph.
6. Read any charts, graphs, or diagrams throughout the reading.
7. Think about what you know about the topic of the reading.
8. If there are headings, turn them into questions to guide your reading. If there are no headings, turn the topic of the section into a question to guide your reading.
9. Consider the purpose of the reading.
After reading, I suggest:
• Summarize as you read.
• Write the passage into your own words (paraphrasing).
• If available, try to answer questions posed at the end of the reading.
• Make connections.
• Take note of what you did not understand. You may have to reread specific sections.
• Create new reading goals.
Kimberley,
I agree, you have to provide examples. I like to describe what an "A" paper looks like, what a "B" paper looks like etc. They can look at those papers using the rubric established for the assignment. It works!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think that you have to provide students with examples of good writing. Reading and writing is something that is often not practiced. The use of language and spelling is changing and some students fail to understand when to use correct grammar and when to use IM language.
In my courses I try to make it a point to correct any writing errors so that my students can see that they need to be more aware of their language.
I try to improve communication skills by providing a variety of avenues for my students to contact me. I feel that if I reach out to them they are more likely to communicate with me more often and not just when something has gone wrong in their coursework.
Tabatha,
Great Strategies. That course should emphasize how important those skills are. Modeling those skills is so important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
RICARDO,
You make a great point. Students are coming to us with the skill set to read for understanding something that does NOT interest them. These tips are important to the success of the student.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I teach an online Career Strategies class to students focused on giving them the tools to find and apply to jobs relevant to their program. This of course includes being able to communicate about their skills and to do so professionally.
I provide students with a resource outlining the basics of professional communication and have them send me an email reflecting on their experience in the course. This allows me to test their ability to follow directions as well as to use proper spelling, grammar, and professional tone. I then provide individualized feedback and address common areas for improvement with the group as a whole.
Dr Wilkinson:
According to the reading, useful tips to help students improve their reading, writing, and communication skills include the following:
1) Become aware of the best place for them to read (i.e., quiet room, area with music playing low, open space with good light)
2) Practice quieting their thoughts/mind to remove distractions
3) Look up any words they do not understand
4) Read for a period of 5-10 minutes and do one or more of the following:
4) Write notes about what they read
5) Write a summary of what they read
6) Tell someone about what they read
7) Think about not only what the writer has written, but also how it was written
8) Relate any text they can to their own lives
The steps followed will depend on the individual needs of the student.
Dr. Ricardo Richards, UMA
Dr. Eileen ,
You have great strategies. You don't want everything to be punitive.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I work in an online Masters of Education program. I personally feel that the ability to communicate in a written format is essential to people in this program. When reviewing written assignments, I always highlight spelling and grammatical errors to point out to students problems they are missing in their proofreading. I also provide extra chats, which are archived, on the topics of: how to proofread, how to write at a graduate level and where to find help if writing skills are weak. Although our assignments call for a loss of points for poor mechanical skills I go beyond the loss of points to show students exactly what they are doing wrong and how to get help to improve their skills.
Shirley,
Students need to know what they are doing wrong. . . and what they are doing right. It does start with the instructor being that guide that students need. Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Lawrence,
You are right, the only way to improve reading and writing is . . . reading and writing. You must provide feedback and provide resources to help students be successful.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Lois,
Yes, I also do that using track changes. I have also recorded my grading and talk through a paper. Students found that I told them the why along with the what was wrong. I was also more positive about good work.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Stanley,
Wow! That is difficult. I would try providing an assessment that will identify to students (and you) their strengths and weaknesses regarding reading and writing skills. I then would have a set of selected resources available to them. It may be provided by the institution or ones that you have made or found. You actually providing them with learning tailored to them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Andrea,
Great idea! That can be done so easily in an online environment. Did you have them as a group compare who they would "hire"?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Andrea,
That is a good question, I too only teach college students; with the advent of virtual high schools, do high school students communicate well . . . in an online course.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
