Are students becoming illiterate?
As a second-year community college student returning to academia after an 8-year break since high school, I recently encountered something surprising while working on a group project—more than half of my classmates seemed to struggle with basic writing skills. Despite being just 18 or 19 and fresh out of high school, many had difficulty composing coherent sentences, even with spell check. I found myself shouldering the bulk of the work. Has our education system really deteriorated that much in the time I’ve been away? How are these students managing to graduate and pass standardized tests?
It’s concerning to hear about your experience with students struggling with writing skills, especially in a college setting. It raises important questions about the effectiveness of our education system in preparing students for higher education.
There could be multiple factors at play here. Curriculum changes, increased reliance on technology, and a focus on standardized testing might contribute to a decline in foundational skills like writing. Additionally, varying levels of support in high school, such as access to resources and individual attention, can impact student preparedness for college.
It’s also worth considering that the transition to college can be challenging for many students who may have had different educational experiences or varying levels of motivation. Not all high school curricula prioritize writing and critical thinking skills, which can leave students ill-equipped for college-level work.
This situation highlights the importance of fostering these skills early on and encouraging a love for reading and writing. It could also serve as a reminder for educators and institutions to reassess their teaching methods and curricula to ensure that students are truly prepared for the demands of college and beyond. Your willingness to take on the work in your group project is admirable, but hopefully, these students will catch up and improve their skills as they continue their education.