Succeeding in school can be difficult for students of all ability levels and backgrounds. Understanding the landscape of higher education can give you a leg up when it comes to being academically successful. College is a huge investment of your time and money, and you want to do your best. Understanding the value of soft skills like communication can help you build relationships with your professors and your classmates to ensure that you find success.
Everyone wants you to succeed
The first thing that you must understand is that everyone at your college or university wants you to succeed. Even in times when classes are difficult or professors seem strict, there is not a single person at your school who does not want what is best for you. When students succeed, the professors and the school succeed. When you understand this simple fact, it becomes much easier to advocate for yourself and use your communication skills to be successful in all of your classes.
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is the ability to speak to others and actively listen in return. Verbal communication is how we build relationships with each other. It is how we let others know of our needs and ask questions to gain further understanding. Verbal communication is an important tool in life. Being able to verbally communicate your ideas, wants, needs, and struggles will allow you to get the assistance you need to be successful. In a higher education setting, verbal communication is directly related to academic success because it allows you to advocate for yourself, build relationships, and gather information so that you can get the most out of your education and be academically successful.
To be truly independent you must advocate for yourself
Higher education is all about having the opportunity to take your education into your own hands. For some, this independence can be daunting and may result in trials and tribulations that have not yet been faced. However, independence can be a lot less daunting when you learn to ask for help when you need it.
Professors and support staff are there to help you succeed. These experts often do not know you need help until you ask. Communication with your professors and the support staff of your school is the first step in not only doing well but learning all of the skills you will need for your future endeavors. Opening up lines of communication with those responsible for your education will help you gain a better understanding of both the content and the expectations of the course.
Deepen Your Learning
Great communication skills are a valuable tool when it comes to getting the most out of your classes. By communicating with both classmates and professors about things you are struggling with or ideas you are interested in, you open up a discourse that can deepen your learning. When you actively communicate with those around you, you change a one-sided education into a conversation that is likely to provide you with more effective learning opportunities.
Building Community
Knowing how to communicate with your classmates is how you make friends and acquaintances that can help you in both the present and the future. Studies show that students who are more engaged with their classmates tend to do better on assessments within that class. Communication allows you to build relationships and create a community that can assist you in your success.
Even outside of the classroom, verbal communication can help you meet new people, make friends, and engage in campus life. The more engaged you are with your community the more likely you will have a positive outlook on your educational experience. The more positive your outlook, the more likely you will be academically successful and enjoy your time in school.
Written Communication
Written communication is the primary tool used in school for students to show what they know. Being a great written communicator will directly result in higher scores on tests, papers, and assignments. Writing your thoughts clearly and accurately is how you show others, including your professors, how you obtain, retain, and utilize information. Without great writing communication, you will have a difficult time proving your knowledge and your growth as a student.
Formal Written Communication
Formal written communication includes class assignments and assessments. It is clear to see how these examples directly correlate to your overall academic success. Building the skills to show what you have learned is the quickest way to improve scores on papers and tests. Formal written communication helps your professors and support staff know what it is that you know and, more importantly, what you still need to learn. If your formal written communication is unclear, you will not get the most out of your education.
Informal Written Communication
Informal Written Communication includes emails and messages that are used to touch base with professors or classmates. These pieces of communication are often vital when it comes to understanding the material or the assignments attached to said material. Being able to write a professional email to your professors will help you build a relationship of respect with the faculty. In addition, a clearly worded email or message will help you get the information or assistance you need. When working on a collaborative project, these skills are especially important. Great written communication can help you set expectations and goals clearly so that everyone knows their part.
Communication is the Key to Academic Success
Education is not performed in a vacuum. It is based on relationships with professors and classmates. The only way to build those relationships is with strong communication. Being able to share and gather information will ensure that you have all of the resources you need to be academically successful. To get the most out of your education you will need to advocate for yourself with professors and communicate openly with classmates you need to collaborate with. Building these skills early on will not only bring you success in the classroom but out of it as well.