Writing and Speaking Skills Emphasized in All Areas of Study - Even Math!

At Richmond Community College, students, faculty and staff are familiar with three letters: Q-E-P.

These letters stand for Quality Enhancement Plan, which is part of the reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). However, to the College, QEP has come to mean improving communication skills.

“We chose to focus on perfecting the written and verbal communication skills of our students in order for them to stand out in today’s job market,” said Dr. Dale McInnis, president of RichmondCC. “The decision was made based on discussions with our many local business and industry partners who have expressed concerns about the trend of declining communication skills. In order to combat that, our instructors have come up with innovative ways to incorporate the QEP into their classrooms to improve our students’ speaking and writing skills.”

Implementation of the QEP, Speaking to Convey, Writing to Display, has been ongoing for the past two years as college departments incorporate more emphasis on writing and oral communication skills into class lectures and assignments. Instructors say students have been receptive to the changes being made and recognize the importance of good writing and speaking skills.

“The majority of my students have really stepped up to the challenge and have done a great job with both the written and oral components of the QEP project,” said RichmondCC math instructor Michelle Chappell.

“This focus on the QEP also afforded me the opportunity to encourage my students to prepare well for any oral presentation – to practice, to dress appropriately, to speak clearly, to maintain good eye contact, to give a clear introduction,” Chappell added. “As a mathematics instructor, these are topics that have only rarely been discussed previously in my classes.”

Holli Brown, also a math instructor at RichmondCC who began incorporating the QEP into her classroom this semester, said her students were able to see a connection between mathematics and writing and speaking skills.

“Most students think that math and English are on the opposite ends of educational poles. To communicate effectively in math orally and written, however, it is vital that students understand Standard English and suitable ways to communicate,” Brown said. “The students have learned that math is used all around them in everyday life, but improving their oral and written skills will play a key part in their success.”

Chappell and Brown were winners of a drawing for instructors who implemented the QEP into their classrooms this spring semester.

“I applaud our faculty for embracing the QEP and making great strides in its implementation,” McInnis said. “This is just another example of how we are equipping our students with the skills necessary to ‘Start Here and Go Anywhere.’”

Spotlight on Winners of QEP Drawing

Michelle Chappell - Mathematics Instructor

How long have you been an instructor at RichmondCC?

5½ years

In what ways are you incorporating the QEP into your classroom? 

I have implemented the QEP into my MAT 172- Precalculus Trigonometry classes this spring. The students were given the choice to (1) compose a written informational essay on a mathematician of their choice that has contributed specifically to the subject of trigonometry, or (2) choose a “real-world” scenario to which trigonometry can be applied in obtaining a solution and write a process essay correctly detailing that application.

How have the students responded to the emphasis on improving oral and written communication skills? 

The majority of my students have really stepped up to the challenge and done a great job with both the written and oral components of the QEP project. They visited the OWCC for a rough draft review, which definitely helped in strengthening each student’s writing skills. This focus on the QEP also afforded me the opportunity to encourage my students to prepare well for any oral presentation – to practice and practice some more, to dress appropriately, to speak clearly, to maintain good eye contact, to give a clear introduction, etc. As a mathematics instructor, these are topics that have only rarely been discussed previously in my classes. Therefore, presenting the opportunity for our students to write and present on a variety of subjects, including mathematics, can only be beneficial to the strengthening of our students’ written and oral communication skills.

Why do you think oral and written communication skills are important?

It is my belief that the ability to write and speak proficiently are two of the most important skills one can possess. These skills are a vital part of the foundational underpinnings of a successful educational journey as well as a fulfilling career.  

Holli Brown - Mathematics Instructor

How long have you been an instructor at RichmondCC?

3 years

In what ways are you incorporating the QEP into your classroom?

In MAT 171, I had the students create an infographic that reflected an application problem based on some trigonometry topics we had previously discussed. They then presented those infographics to the class describing how and why trigonometry is used in real-world based jobs and hobbies. In MAT 143, I had the students create an infographic and present information on how and why math is used in a field of study of their choosing. Each student presented the mathematics used in their chosen career field.

How have the students responded to the emphasis on improving oral and written communication skills?

When we first discussed the project the students did not see the connection of oral and written skills to mathematics. Most students think that math and English are on the opposite ends of educational poles. To communicate effectively in math orally and written, however, it is vital that students understand Standard English and suitable ways to communicate. The students have learned that math is used all around them in everyday life, but that improving their oral and written skills will play a key part in their success.

Why do you think oral and written communication skills are important?

Appropriate oral and written communication is the key to success in many areas of education. In mathematics, being able to communicate orally is important. For example, if a student asks me about an example or problem out of the textbook, it’s essential to communicate to me effectively on what the student is asking so that I may respond in an appropriate manner.