As disciplines have their own specific terminologies and language conventions, communication skills are most effectively developed in the context of the specific discipline. Communication skills courses need to incorporate such terminology and conventions. Willingness to adapt and change courses so that communication skills are integrated and emphasised, leads to positive outcomes for both the teacher and the students. Why communication skills are valued One of the most important aspects of student learning is the development of effective communication skills.
Communication skills are important for communicating new knowledge and ideas.
Employers and professional bodies value and seek graduates with well developed communication skills, especially writing and oral skills. Tertiary teachers regularly complain about students' communication skills especially writing and oral skills. Communication skills are not only important for demonstrating what has been learned, they are an integral part of the learning process. For effective learning to occur, students need to be actively engaged with the subject matter which they are learning. The constructivist model of learning emphasises the importance of such active engagement for helping learners to make sense of information and concepts, to build personal meaning, and to become 'discipline literate'.