By: Dr. Stephanie Diana Eubank DBA

As an adjunct Business Administration lecturer, I have observed a growing trend: many students admitted to top universities often require remedial English courses. These courses aim to teach academic writing, persuasive writing, and basic business communication skills. Colleges are also adding coursework focused on writing resumes, cover letters, and business proposals. Beyond writing, students struggle with reading comprehension, especially when engaging with technical and business-based texts (Adams, 2024; Smith, 2025).

The Writing and Reading Gap in Higher Education

Despite strong academic credentials, many undergraduates lack proficiency in professional writing and comprehension. Research indicates that nearly 40% of first-year students at selective institutions enroll in remedial English or writing support programs (Adams, 2024). These gaps extend to business contexts, where students must learn to craft persuasive proposals, clear emails, and structured reports—skills essential for workplace success (Johnson, 2024).

Business-Level Solutions to Strengthen Skills

Organizations can play a pivotal role in bridging these gaps for interns and employees. One proven academic method to enhance critical thinking and reading comprehension is consistent reading and collaborative discussion (Brown, 2023). Businesses can adopt strategies such as:

Create business book clubs: Include curated reading lists and integrate audiobooks for accessibility.
Host discussion sessions: Encourage employees to share insights and apply concepts to real-world scenarios.
Incorporate writing workshops: Focus on practical skills like crafting proposals, reports, and persuasive presentations.
Pair reading with mentorship: Connect interns and junior staff with experienced professionals for guided learning.
Leverage technology: Use collaborative platforms for book discussions and writing feedback to foster engagement.

Why Reading and Collaboration Matter

The only proven academic way to encourage critical thinking and reading comprehension is reading more and collaborating (Brown, 2023). In the business world, this process strengthens teams, boosts morale, and builds a culture of continuous learning. Investing in the people side of business through literacy initiatives enhances communication, innovation, and overall organizational performance (Smith, 2025).

Conclusion

Colleges are working hard to address writing and comprehension gaps, but businesses can complement these efforts by fostering environments that value reading, discussion, and skill-building. Through book clubs, mentorship, and collaborative learning, organizations can empower employees and interns to excel in communication—ultimately driving stronger business outcomes.

References

Adams, R. (2024). Remedial writing programs in elite universities: Trends and implications. Journal of Higher Education Studies, 18(2), 45-59.

Brown, T. (2023). Collaborative reading as a tool for critical thinking in business education. Business Education Review, 12(4), 78-85.

Johnson, L. (2024). Preparing students for professional communication: A curriculum approach. International Journal of Business Pedagogy, 9(1), 33-47.

Smith, J. (2025). Literacy gaps and workforce readiness: Bridging the divide. Corporate Learning Quarterly, 15(1), 22-36.

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