Learn at a Distance

As an instructor, you know that student success depends on more than just understanding the course material. Often, the ability to complete assessments and activities hinges on students’ possession of specific prerequisite skills—skills that your course may assume they already have but doesn’t explicitly teach. Identifying these skills, determining whether your students possess them, and connecting them with resources to fill any gaps are critical steps in fostering a productive and equitable learning environment.

Uncovering the Skills Embedded in Your Assessments

Take a moment to think about the assessments and activities in your course. Consider something as common as a research paper. While your course likely teaches students how to analyze data or construct arguments, writing a research paper assumes they already know how to perform tasks like finding academic sources, using a citation format, and managing their time effectively. These embedded skills, such as academic writing or information literacy, are foundational but are often outside the scope of your course content. Student presentations, another common assessment practice, require many skills that all learners may not possess.

To uncover these embedded skills, try breaking down each major assignment or activity into its individual steps. For example, a group project might require virtual collaboration skills, conflict resolution, and familiarity with shared digital tools. Once you’ve identified these prerequisite skills, you can start planning how to address any gaps your students may have.

Assessing Whether Your Students Have the Skills

Before students begin their assessments, it’s essential to determine whether they possess the prerequisite skills they’ll need. You can do this by integrating diagnostic assessments into the early part of your course. A short writing task, a multiple-choice quiz on citation practices, or a reflection prompt asking about prior experience with similar assignments can provide insights into their readiness.

Self-assessments are another powerful tool. Create a checklist or survey for your students to evaluate their own comfort levels with skills like academic writing, time management, or using specific software. This self-reflection not only helps you identify skill gaps but also encourages students to take ownership of their learning.

Connecting Students with University Resources

When you identify gaps in your students’ prerequisite skills, don’t feel like you need to teach these skills yourself. Instead, guide your students toward the many resources your university likely offers. These might include:

• Writing Centers where students can get help with grammar, structure, and citations.
• Library Services that provide workshops or tutorials on research techniques and citation management tools.
• Technology Support for learning software tools like Excel or collaboration platforms.

Make these resources easily accessible by including links in your course materials or announcements. For instance, if your course involves a research paper, direct students to a library tutorial on database searches during the first week. Highlighting these resources early sets your students up for success.

Making Prerequisite Skills Part of the Learning Process

Addressing prerequisite skills doesn’t have to feel like an extra task. Instead, you can integrate them naturally into the course experience. Create opportunities for students to share their strengths and learn from one another through peer reviews, collaborative discussions, or forums for sharing tips. By making skill development an open and encouraged part of your course, you empower students to see these skills as integral to their success—not just in your course but in their broader academic and professional lives.

What’s Next for You?

Take a moment to reflect on your course. What skills do you assume your students already have, and are they prepared to succeed in your assessments? How can you help them identify and address any gaps? By taking the time to make prerequisite skills explicit, assess your students’ readiness, and connect them with the resources they need, you can create a more inclusive and supportive online learning environment.

Start small. Add a diagnostic activity, share a resource, or have a conversation with your students about the skills they’ll need to thrive. These small actions can have a big impact—not only on their success but also on your growth as an instructor.