Academic skills aren’t just for passing exams; they help students become more independent, well-rounded individuals. Time management, critical thinking, and academic writing are not just tools for the classroom  – they’re building blocks for professional success. Yet, despite their undeniable importance, many students are still reluctant to engage in academic skills development.

This disengagement stems from several causes – balancing academic and personal responsibilities; unclear guidance; and a lack of confidence. As a result, students may feel unprepared during their studies and for life after graduation. That’s why fostering student engagement is crucial – doing so helps them overcome these obstacles and build the skills they need for long-term success. To address this, universities must prioritise making academic skills development more accessible and engaging, with digital solutions playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap.

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Why Don’t Students Engage in Academic Skills Development?

Engaging students in academic skills development presents a unique set of challenges, not least of all due to the overwhelming range of skills they’re expected to master. From essay writing to critical thinking, the sheer scope can feel daunting. Without breaking the material into more manageable parts, students can quickly lose interest.

Competing priorities are another obstacle. With academic deadlines, part-time jobs, and personal commitments vying for their attention, many students place academic skills development on the back burner. Instead, they focus on immediate academic tasks, leaving little time to reflect on how they can improve foundational skills like time management or research techniques.

A lack of confidence can also stand in the way. Students who have struggled with certain skills, whether it’s anxiety about public speaking or difficulty with academic writing, often avoid addressing these areas altogether. This creates a cycle of disengagement that becomes harder to break over time.

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How to Engage Students in Academic Skills Development

To truly engage students in academic skills development, it’s essential to use strategies that resonate with their experiences and learning styles. Here are some practical ways to drive engagement:

Relatable Content

To truly capture students’ attention, content needs to speak directly to their interests and future aspirations. By tying academic skills to their personal goals or future careers, students can see the real-world value of what they’re learning. Real-life examples that demonstrate how skills like critical thinking extend beyond university life can help bridge this gap. Encouraging students to reflect on their own experiences while learning new skills not only makes the material more relatable but also more meaningful.

Clarity and Student Voice

Clarity is crucial when delivering content. Long-winded explanations or dense academic language can quickly overwhelm students, leading to disengagement. Instead, use concise, straightforward language; and speak to students in the words they use in their everyday lives. When the student voice is made central to delivering key messages,  students are far more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

Utilise Digital Solutions for Engagement

The rise of digital tools presents an excellent opportunity to enhance student engagement. Interactive content, such as gamified exercises or skill-building quizzes, can turn academic skills development into an active, hands-on experience. Mobile-friendly platforms allow students to practice essential skills anytime, anywhere, making it easier to fit learning into their busy schedules. Students already spend much of their free time on their phones, so meeting them where they already are is an efficient strategy for getting key messages across. 

Leverage Peer Learning and Co-Creation

Students are often more receptive to listening to those with similar life experiences,  making peer learning one of the most powerful methods of building engagement.  Encouraging students to collaborate with their peers means that all learners benefit from shared insights and approaches. Involving students in the co-creation of learning materials further enhances this sense of ownership and relevance. When students contribute to the development of content that speaks to their needs, the learning experience becomes more personalised and engaging.

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Conclusion

Engaging students in academic skills development is crucial for their long-term success, both in university and beyond. By designing relatable content, clear messaging, and digital solutions, universities can overcome these barriers and create a more engaging learning environment.

Now is the time for university staff to explore these strategies and empower students to actively engage in their academic skills development, building the foundation for success both inside and outside the classroom.

About GoodCourse

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From consent and harassment prevention to academic skills development, universities trust GoodCourse to provide students and staff with the tools they need to build safer, more inclusive campuses.

Talk to a member of our team today to learn about how other universities are improving student outcomes, student safety, and meeting regulatory requirements.

FAQs

1. What are common reasons students struggle to engage with academic skills development?

‍Students often feel overwhelmed by the range of academic skills they must master, such as critical thinking. Competing priorities, like heavy workloads and personal commitments, often push skill development to the side. 

2. How can universities help students overcome disengagement with academic skills?‍

Universities can foster engagement by delivering clear, concise content that is broken down into manageable tasks. Relatable, real-world examples help students see the value of these skills beyond university, while peer mentorship and co-creation of learning materials create a sense of ownership and connection.

3. How do digital tools improve student engagement in learning academic skills?

Digital tools, such as gamification and mobile-friendly platforms, offer interactive and accessible ways for students to develop academic skills at their own pace. These tools make learning more engaging by incorporating quizzes, modules, and online communities where students can collaborate and share strategies, making the experience more dynamic and personalised.