Hi Renee- I agree completely! Students have to be able to read and write and use at least basic math no matter what career they are preparing for. Susan
General education provides a solid foundation for education and learning. When students establish this basic foundation then they are able to achieve higher learning of upper level subject matter.
Assessing general education skills helps instructors know where students are and where instruction should begin. In other words, it helps instructors know what educational approaches will be most effective and helps set goals for the course.
Hi Heather- Thanks for your post to the forum. This situation can indeed be frustrating. Is it that we let too many students "slide" through the gen eds? Is it that the students just studied for the test and never treally got it? Whatever the cause, as you point out, we are the ones that have to deal with it. Do you have any suggestions or ideas you can share? Best wishes- Susan
Once a student is past general education and into their field of study, like nursing for example, it is often assumed that they have a grasp on these basic education skills (reading, written communication, and math). Not only is it assumed, it is expected.
In my own experience, I would have some students in my courses that claim to have never heard of APA format and do not have any clue as to where to begin. But, when I look back at their general education courses, they took compository writing, in which APA is taught. As an instructor in a specialized field, I can't take the time to re-teach these general education skills to every student. This is something that they should have as background information when they enter their program or chosen major.
It can be very frustrating when we, as instructors, find that our students do not possess the most basic of general ed skills, and can affect other students and the class as a whole.
Hi Nicole- Unless one intends to be a solitary monk in a cave somewhere, a knowledge of psychology will always be valuable! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
That is so true! I have to reiterate how psychology is important to the culinary industry and show them how it's connected in a number of ways. The basic foundations of general education are so important to their success whether they realize it or not...when they do understand it's importance, they put forth more effort.
Well the answer is obvious, but as others have pointed out in this forum, the gauging of these skills must be done before they get to your class. It is frustrating to get a student who appears to have made it through the prelim work only to wonder what they were actually tested on. Maybe I expect to much.
Hi Ralph - very wise advice! "Learn to communicate well!" is my mantra. (-; Susan
I teach writing, so I do this every unit. Students need to be effective communicators both on the page and off. They need to be able to talk about what they know through discussions and they need to be able to articulate it through writing. This is how business is conducted. The more proficient they are as communicators, the more success they will have in the workplace and as students.
Hi Dawn - Thanks for your post to the forum. This is a continuing problem with open admissions. Ideally we would have the necessary support for these students but when that is not the case , it is up to us to do the best we can with their limited skill levels. Best wishes - Susan
I am a legal program instructor. Assessment in reading and writing skills indicate how the student will succeed in the program. The legal program is very rigorous. A student needs to have the necessary reading and writing skills to be successful in the paralegal program. Without the necessary skills such as reading and writing, it will make it difficult for the student to make it through the program.
A foundation of skills is necessary for a learner to succeed.
The general education skills prepare the student for efficiency and professionalism in the work place.
It give us a good idea of what we are working with. Every class is different and it is so important for the instructor to tailor their teaching to the group at hand.
I think assessment of general education skills are important because these skills are the starting point for any learner. Also, these skills will be needed in all types of classes from general ed through a particular student's program or field of interest.
HI Russell- Thanks for your post to the forum! As you mention, we all have students with diverse skill levels that require us to make frequent adjustments to our teaching. Best wishes- Susan
It is important to have a clear understanding of where each student stands in ability to process information, and apply their skills. It informs the instructor of any general strangths and weaknesses each student may have in order to better teach each student according to their own specific needs.
Gives the instructor an active game-plan. I have a general outline/syllabus, but tend to vary my approach due to student evaluations.
Hi Paul - Thanks for your post to the forum. This is indeed a problem with open admissions. But, if we are grading fairly, only students who earn passing grades can graduate. Realistically, the only way that these students will succeed is if we offer them remedial support.
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career and happy New Year! Susan
