Introduction This paper summarizes articles that provide important insights into the literacy challenges experienced at the postsecondary level. Instructional methods that focus on literacy improvement can help college students learning more and excel in academics. Summary One Introduction Learning is a complex process that is dependent on many factors that are present in the learning environment. In this view, the article asserts that student learning is less effective when classes are large and the material taught is new to the learners. Anonymity and Self-directed Learning The feelings of anonymity and lack of self-directed learning on the part of the student result in poor academic outcomes. Moreover, pedagogical challenges that instructors face due to a large number of students in courses such as political science result in poor academic outcomes (Truby, Weiss & Rousseau 2014). When the number of students in a class is high, instructors should encourage active learning to help students learn more, enhance their familiarity with new material, and develop critical thinking skills (Truby, Weiss & Rousseau 2014). Among the active learning strategies an instructor can use are collaborative learning, assigning low-rated tasks, and approaches that encourage student participation. Collaborative learning involves long-term study groups under the guidance of the instructor. Certain conditions must be met for collaborative learning to be effective. First, the supervisor must oversee the formation of the study groups and supervise them throughout the semester (Truby, Weiss & Rousseau 2014). Second, learners must exhibit a high level of responsibility and teamwork. Third, group tasks should aim to improve collaboration within each group. Fourth, continuous monitoring and evaluation of the performance of each team as well as group members are needed. The second strategy is assigning low-rated tasks based on educational videos or newspaper articles to help students discover new concepts on their own. The third strategy is participatory learning, which engages students through discussion forums and simulations. Discussion forums help students learn how to develop an argument while in-class simulations enhance their familiarity with different issues. Conclusion The article notes that the application of collaborating learning techniques such as discussion groups and teamwork, and customization of tasks as promoting effective learning in large-class contexts. Summary Two Introduction English is the preferred language of instruction in most institutions of higher learning. Foreign universities offer English programs to students in a bid to improve their proficiency in the language. Even in countries where English is not a native language, students must learn it to improve their communication as well as reading and writing skills before enrolling for programs taught in English. English and Academic Performance Researchers have found no relationship between tests such as IELTS or TOEFL and academic performance (Harrington & Roche 2014). Often, non-proficient speakers encounter communication problems during learning, which results in poor grades, diminished caree