In my interactions with faculty, a recurring concern emerges: the challenge of fostering essential academic skills in students. These skills encompass, among others, timely submission of assignments and effective communication. Often referred to as soft skills, they form the cornerstone of both academic and future professional success.   

While universities are tasked with imparting academic knowledge, they also bear the responsibility of nurturing these indispensable soft skills. Students should not just be passive recipients of information but should also be actively engaged in refining these skills to thrive in their careers post-graduation. Many faculty, however, feel that teaching these skills is not part of their job. 

Unfortunately, there is a common misconception that students inherently possess these soft skills or should have learned them in high school, but that idea frequently doesn’t match reality, resulting in faculty frustration and low performance from students. Given that this is the reality, how can professors help bridge these gaps and facilitate skill development?    

Here are some actionable steps to facilitate student success and cultivate a less frustrating learning environment: 

1. Scaffold Big Assignments:

Scaffolding involves breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps, equipping students with the tools to tackle challenges independently. By providing structured support, scaffolding not only aids academic progress but also fosters the development of executive functioning skills. This in turn lead to less procrastination and better completion rates.  When considering scaffolding, think about the level of student you are teaching.  One may consider providing more support for students earlier in their careers or for earlier assignments in the term. Gamification can also be an excellent way to incorporate scaffolding in class activities.  

2. Set Due Dates in the Learning Management System:

Research suggests that a majority of students find clear deadlines motivating and a means for helping them stay on track.  While flexibility for extenuating circumstances is important, including these deadlines in one place makes it easier for students to find and utilize the due dates. 

3. Provide Email Reminders:

Utilize tools like intelligent agents to automate email reminders for upcoming deadlines. These reminders serve as gentle nudges for students to stay on track with their assignments. Over time, students become more self-reliant and adept at managing their responsibilities. These reminders also acknowledge that our students are managing multiple responsibilities beyond just your course.  

4. Teach Effective Communication:

Offer guidance on how to communicate professionally and effectively with instructors. Providing examples of how they might, for example, ask for an extension on an assignment,can help students develop these crucial skills.  Check out these examples from Duke University. 

By implementing these strategies, educators can empower students to navigate academic challenges with confidence, cultivate the skills essential for lifelong success, and reduce their own frustration.