What communication skills do other disciplines value most? A communication across the curriculum needs analysis

Abstract

This study sought to gain insight into how faculty in other disciplines perceive communication skills as well as to conduct a needs analysis that can help us to develop resources to support faculty who are integrating communication assignments into their disciplinary courses. Survey data were collected from 232 faculty at three large, public universities, and qualitative follow-up interviews were conducted with 12 faculty across institutions and disciplines. Results showed that there is wide variation in the complexity with which our colleagues define communication. Group and interaction skills were among the most valued communication skills, along with a variety of presentation skills. While explanatory and argumentation skills were highly valued, they are also areas where growth is needed. Online and mediated communication skills were rated as least important in the survey that was completed prior to COVID-19, but were discussed as an emerging need in the interviews conducted during the pandemic.

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