Variation among students is observed, but expected. Communication Skills Student competencies in written and oral communication are below expectations. Although much variation is observed and many students do well, too many students do not communicate well in either written or oral form. We have heard from employers in all four disciplines that students need to develop group problem solving skills in addition to individual problem solving skills. Students need to learn to work together better, how to work together in class, and how group dynamics and group interactions affect outcome.
Computer skills are also deficient, followed by more field and practical experience.
When given structured problems students do well. However, as the degree of structure in the problem decreases, more students have difficulty addressing the problem effectively. Problem solving skills within group situations, where negotiation and compromise are required, are below expectations. Program Improvements University-Level Suggestions Communication Skills. Promote and encourage departments to implement writing and speaking across the curricula.