Why MORE Writing Courses are Needed for Today's College Students--not Fewer
Dr. Virginia Hemby
Professor, Business Communication at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
I have been teaching a Business Communications (writing for the workplace) course at the university level for the past 22 years. A couple of years ago, the departments in the College of Business where I teach were given the option of removing this course from the core of required courses for their majors. Several of those departments took the opportunity to do so claiming that their courses have sufficient writing in them to ensure students were prepared for the work environment. Unfortunately, no courses--aside from the Business Communication course--actually teach students about writing for the workplace, about writing concise, clear, complete, and correct messages. The major courses focus solely on what students might write in their particular courses or areas and that usually encompasses writing for an academic setting that has a "flavor" of the workplace.
In the Business Communication course, students are taught to change their view of writing from that of questioning how many pages, how many words do I need to include for my assignment to that of writing specifically for the audience/reader and to meet the purpose of the message. We discuss the direct approach to writing--for direct request messages or for responses to direct requests--and the indirect approach to writing--for delivering bad news or for persuading the reader to act or respond in some fashion. We cover the importance of credibility in writing, of the ethical approach to writing, of the need to punctuate, spell, and use grammar correctly in all communication. My students are graded on their writing skills as well as their ability to correctly format a message and to use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation in their assignments. My students are taught to use correct subject lines in e-mail messages--to answer the question, "Why am I writing this message?" in their subject line. My students are also taught to change their subject line when the subject or purpose of their message changes--not to continue sending e-mail back and forth with a subject line that is not relevant to the communication.
In essence, the Business Communication course is the "jumping-off point" in writing for the workplace. Why would anyone want to remove a writing course from a college program? Have they not read what employers have to say about college graduates' abysmal writing skills? Do they not read students' papers and see the inconsistencies and errors in their writing? Are they not tired of hearing the same questions: "How long does this paper need to be?" "How many words should this paper have?" Would they (and especially the students) not be better served by having MORE writing classes in their programs than fewer?
Yes! How about the employers out there? Any thoughts?
"All of life's moments should be optimized for teaching and learning, especially if we are expected to grow as fast as new technologies emerge." - Cecelia Williams
6yAs an undergraduate with an AABA and AAS, I took three very different business courses; writing, presentation, and communication I have to say they were all great courses and we'll worth it for me. I was unaware that students didn't always have to take those courses if they were going into some type of business degree. They should incorporate it into every degree program.
Professor at Massasoit Community College
6yYour comments are "right on," Virginia. Students who take a business communication course, do, in fact, write better on their assignments in all their courses and, hopefully, this transfers to the workplace.
Manufacturing and Technology Instructor at Jefferson State Community College
6yThey say that those with these types of degrees have terrible writing skills and they were right to a certain degree. The one class that help me the most was Technical Writing at Bessemer State Technical College (now Lawson State Community College). That one course help me improve my writing skills and prepared me on the presentation to the targeted audience. In my previous position as a health physicist, conducting inspections required a balance between technical and laymen. When an HP investigation is involved, you are required to be very technical. The last high-level investigation I conducted was an FDA experimental radiation treatment. That 11 page report was seen by principal researchers, medical personnel involved in the treatment, and the FDA. My director at the time was amazed by the length and detail of the report, all thanks to that one course in technical writing.
Author and Emerita, Business Communication Faculty at Cal State Fullerton
6yExcellent piece, Virginia! All research suggests that excellent writing skills are needed more than ever. Employer surveys tell us that communication and other so-called soft skills are at the top of recruiters' wish lists. Multiple-choice testing and the use of PowerPoint presentations instead of well-reasoned business reports have further reduced the amount of writing students practice during their time at many colleges of business. A mandatory business communication course is crucial in this environment. Students will be more likely to be hired and promoted if they can write and think!
Cause Entrepreneur at ONEHOPE Wine
6yGreat information. I agree writing is so extremely important. I get the same question, how long should the paper be? I must agree with until your message is understood.