Focused or objective based reading, coupled with an enduring personal examination of a particular campaign or battle, will create habits in reading which transcend a simple list. Developing reading skills in a history based curriculum not only builds the requisite reading skill, but also builds a reservoir of vicarious personal experience based on the body of literature on the profession of arms. This approach not only develops of reading skills, the students will continue to expand their command of the language of war. Where possible, we should seek to teach students how to read for retention and enhanced comprehension. This not only reduces the absolute burden on the faculty it offers the students the opportunity to experience varying styles.
Faculty can pull and grade a random ten percent of the papers to remain engaged.
Obviously all faculty within the University must have some leveling of their communications skills as they assume their duties and enter the arena as instructors. A common University vision for the Communication Skills Program as well as a University based faculty development program, would provide the commonality of approach necessary to improve the communications skills of our students across the board. In any case, it needs to be more than simply writing.