The Undergraduate Skill Crisis in Ontario – How Can We Fix It?

J. Paul Grayson

Working Paper

 Download Publication (PDF)

It is generally assumed that certain academic competencies are essential for university graduation, occupational success, and democratic citizenship. Unfortunately, many university based instructors find that a good number of their students are weak in terms of key academic skills, such as analysis and research. Instructors’ assessments are similar to those of some prominent Canadian business executives. The latter have lamented the absence of important skills, such as writing ability, among the graduates they hire. This somewhat negative characterization of Canadian graduates has been verified by studies conducted by, among other agencies, Statistics Canada. It finds a surprisingly low level of literacy and numeracy among a sizable proportion of Canadians with degrees.