Are universities teaching students the right things? This question has been the subject of much debate and discussion in recent years, with a growing number of graduates each year. While universities provide students with the opportunity to develop academically, get involved in extracurricular activities, and grow personally, there are concerns about their preparedness for the world of work. The most academic universities may not be the best at equipping students with the skills needed in the workplace, such as soft skills like nuanced analysis, problem-solving, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.
Additionally, the traditional university model, where students pay tuition fees for in-person teaching, has been disrupted by the move to online learning and the increasing frequency of staff strikes. This has led to questions about the value offered by universities and their responsibility to compensate students for any disruption to their education.
So, what constitutes good teaching at the university level, and how can universities ensure that their students are learning the right things, both academically and practically, to succeed in their future endeavours?
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Teaching quality | Seldom measured and recognised at universities |
Teaching activities | Academic and stimulating climate, efficient organisation, clear instruction, activating learning, focusing on learning strategies |
Academic freedom | Protection from censorship or retaliation, right to express views, right to choose research topics, protection from imposition of beliefs, right to redress, protection from reprisals for disagreeing with policies, right to challenge views, protection of grading authority |
Work preparation | Soft skills, work experience |
Consumer rights | Renegotiation of terms, refund of fees |
Academic freedom
The four main elements of academic freedom are:
- Teaching: the freedom to discuss all relevant matters in the classroom
- Research: the freedom to explore all avenues of scholarship, research, and creative expression, and to publish findings
- Intramural speech: the freedom from institutional censorship or discipline when addressing matters of institutional policy or action
- Extramural speech: the freedom from institutional censorship or discipline when speaking or writing as citizens
In recent years, there has been a fierce debate on the issue of academic freedom, following extreme political statements made by university faculty members. This has brought into question whether academic freedom should be limited in certain circumstances.
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Work experience
While universities are fantastic for many things, there are some things they can't teach. As more employers complain about graduates being unprepared for the world of work, it's clear that academic prowess does not always translate to workplace readiness.
However, it's not just about what students can learn from work experience; it's also about what they can bring to the table. Students with work experience can offer fresh perspectives, new ideas, and a willingness to learn and grow. They can also provide value to an organisation by bringing in new skills, such as digital literacy or a different way of working.
Furthermore, work experience allows students to develop soft skills that are essential in the workplace, such as nuanced analysis, problem-solving, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and organisation. These skills are often overlooked in favour of academic achievements, but they are what keep the office light, bright, and functioning well.
Students aiming for STEM fields may think that soft skills are less important, but this is not the case. Even in the most technical industries, soft skills are vital for success. STEM undergrads should work on their soft skills to ensure they can keep up with their peers from humanities backgrounds, who may have an edge in this area.
Overall, work experience is invaluable for students as it provides them with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting, develop essential soft skills, and gain a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. It also allows them to build a network of professional connections, which can be beneficial for their future careers. By the time they graduate, students with work experience will be well-prepared to enter the job market and make a smooth transition from education to employment.
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Soft skills
There is a big disconnect between how proficient students believe they are in soft skills and how proficient employers believe they are. Students rate themselves as being far more proficient in most workplace skills than employers do. This gap in perception needs to be addressed if students are to succeed in the workplace of the future.
So, what are some of the soft skills that students can develop at university, and how can they be developed?
Communication Skills
Communication skills are often cited as essential soft skills for students to develop. This includes both written and spoken communication. At university, students will likely be writing many term papers, which will improve their written communication skills. They will also be forced to develop their spoken communication skills through class discussions, debates, and oral exams. To improve these skills, students can read fiction and non-fiction to expand their vocabulary and explore different perspectives and ideas.
Budgeting and Money Management
University is often the first time that students have to manage their own money and pay bills, as well as budget for food, drink, and social activities. This is an excellent opportunity for students to develop money management skills, which will show employers that they are responsible and trustworthy.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
University is a place where students will face many problems and difficult questions. To succeed, they will need to think outside the box, approach problems from new angles, and carry out research. These are all skills that employers value, as they want employees who can take the initiative and find creative solutions to problems.
Adaptability
Adaptability is another important soft skill for students to develop. University life often involves dealing with changing circumstances, such as new courses and professors each semester, and adapting to their expectations and requirements. This skill will also be useful in the workplace, where employees may need to switch up their learning styles and change their way of thinking to deal with new challenges.
Discipline, Motivation, and Drive
University life requires discipline, as it is a long-term commitment that demands consistent work. Developing a plan and sticking to it will help students cultivate resilience and perseverance. Finding what drives them, whether it is end goals, earning a degree, or the prospect of a good job, will also help keep them motivated.
Organisation
Organisation is a key skill for university students to develop, as they need to plan and schedule their study sessions, study breaks, and free time, as well as keep up with course requirements. This skill will also be valuable in the workplace, where demands on time only increase.
Constructive Criticism
No one's university work is perfect, and students will receive plenty of constructive criticism from tutors and peers. Employers value employees who can take this feedback on board and use it to improve their work.
Time Management
Time management is a critical skill for success in both university and the workplace. Balancing a busy schedule and prioritising tasks are important for students to learn, as these skills will help them manage their workload and meet deadlines.
Leadership and Teamwork
Leadership and teamwork are also important soft skills that employers value. University provides many opportunities for students to develop these skills, such as through group projects and extra-curricular activities.
Digital Proficiency
In today's world, it is essential to have digital proficiency skills, including the ability to select and use appropriate software, basic and complex writing tools, and cloud technologies.
Overall, soft skills are an important part of a student's education and can help set them up for success in the workplace and in their personal lives.
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Student compensation
University students are increasingly complaining about their universities, with the ombudsman OIA receiving 3,137 complaints in 2023, the highest ever recorded. While there are no sources that directly address whether universities are teaching students the right things, there are several issues that students have raised, which may indicate that universities are falling short of student expectations.
Students who feel that their university has given them a bad deal can follow several steps to submit a complaint and receive compensation. Firstly, it is advisable to try to resolve the issue informally by speaking to a personal tutor, who may be able to act on their behalf. If this is unsuccessful, the next step is to read up on the university's complaints policy, which can usually be found online. It is important to note that there may be a time limit for submitting a complaint after an incident, so students should not delay.
When making a complaint, it is crucial to be clear and concise, with specific examples and good evidence to back it up. Complaints can cover a range of issues, such as poor facilities, accommodation problems, course cancellations, changes to course content or fees, discrimination, and cheating or plagiarism allegations. However, complaints related to 'academic judgement', such as dissatisfaction with a grade, are generally not accepted.
If a student wishes to pursue a formal complaint, they can seek help from their student union, student advisers, or legal professionals. They will need to provide specific details and evidence to support their case. After submitting the formal complaint, the university will conduct an investigation and provide a 'Completion of Procedures' (COP) letter outlining their decision. If the student is still dissatisfied, they can take their complaint to an ombudsman, an independent body that reviews student complaints. The ombudsman can recommend that the university takes action, including offering compensation, but they cannot punish or fine the university.
It is important to note that the process of making a complaint and seeking compensation can be lengthy and stressful, and students should carefully consider their options before initiating a formal complaint.
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Teaching quality
One of the challenges in assessing teaching quality in universities is the diverse range of courses and the unique design of each course. This differs from primary and secondary education, where classes are more standardized across grades and topics. In an extensive study, Ballard (2013) found that teaching quality was almost non-existent in the criteria used by 34 universities to evaluate their educational offerings.
Despite the lack of standardized criteria, there are several factors that contribute to effective teaching in higher education. These include creating a stimulating learning environment, efficient organization of teaching sessions, clear instructions, activating learning, and focusing on learning strategies.
Creating a stimulating learning environment involves fostering an atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions and engaging in discussions. Respect for students' ideas and interventions when students do not respect each other are key components of this type of environment. Additionally, teachers should demonstrate their knowledge while also being open to discussion and admitting when they don't know everything. This helps establish a safe and academic learning space.
Efficient organization of teaching sessions increases the "opportunity to learn" by providing students with more time to absorb the material. This includes being prepared with functioning equipment and lesson materials and having a clear plan for the session, ensuring students know what to expect.
Clear instructions involve setting intended learning outcomes at the beginning of the session and explaining the relevance of the knowledge being taught in relation to previous and future learning. This helps students understand the context of the session and how it fits into their overall learning journey.
Activating learning is about engaging students in the lesson and ensuring they are actively thinking about the material. This can be achieved through assignments, discussions, and activities that encourage students to think aloud and interact with their peers.
Focusing on learning strategies means making the learning process transparent and discussing it with students. This includes teaching problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, and encouraging students to check their answers.
While universities may vary in their approaches to teaching, it is essential to recognize the importance of these factors in delivering quality education and ensuring students acquire the skills they need to succeed in their future endeavors.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft skills are nuanced analysis, problem-solving, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and organization. They are important because they are workplace staples and keep the office light, bright, and functioning well.
A university teacher should create an inviting and stimulating learning climate, where students feel comfortable asking questions and discussing the topic. They should also organize efficient teaching sessions, provide clear instructions, and activate learning.
University is an opportunity to hone your academic skills, get involved in extracurricular activities, and grow as a person. It is also a chance to gain work experience and build a network.
Knowledge is what you learn in school, while wisdom is what helps you make a life. For example, memorizing information is helpful, but not at the cost of not learning critical life skills like managing money, negotiating, or communicating.
Universities should focus on real-world learning experiences and provide work placements and internships. They should also teach students how to learn from their mistakes and encourage them to get out of their comfort zones.