ASSESSING THE TEACHING OF COMMUNICATION AND WRITING SKILLS IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
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Abstract
Written and oral communication is considered one of the most critical competencies for academic and future career success for every student in higher education institutions. One of the numerous skills a student should be able to develop before they leave university or college is the ability to communicate effectively through writing. This paper aimed to establish whether higher education institutions in Zambia offer compulsory communication and writing skills to students. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Data from students on whether or not they learnt communication skills was elicited through a questionnaire while data on views and opinions from language lecturers was collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings of the study revealed that out of the ten public universities and colleges that participated in the study, only four offer Communication and writing skills to all first-year students. It was revealed that in some institutions, Communication and writing or study skills are taught only to students who study languages. The study further recommended that all higher education institutions should consider offering compulsory Communication and writing skills to all first years regardless of their study areas to equip them with useful communicative skills for their adult life
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