What Learning do Employers Want Colleges to Emphasize?
In 2006 and 2007 the AAC&U commissioned an independent research group to conduct several studies of employers' views on student learning in college. Based on interviews with over 600 employers, the research group arrived at the following conclusions:
"The surveys and focus groups reveal strong support among employers for an increased emphasis on providing all students with the LEAP 'essential learning outcomes.' Employers reject any trend toward narrow technical training at the college level; they believe that, to succeed in the global economy, students need more liberal education, not less."
The table below summarizes the findings about employers' views on the importance of educating students with respect to the LEAP essential learning outcomes.
Percentage of Employers Who Want Colleges to "Place More Emphasis" on Essential Learning Outcomes
| Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Science and technology | 82 % |
| Global issues | 72% |
| The role of the United States in the world | 60% |
| Cultural values and traditions (U.S./global) | 53% |
| Intellectual and Practical Skills | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Teamwork skills in diverse groups | 76% |
| Critical thinking and analytic reasoning | 73% |
| Written and oral communication | 73% |
| Information literacy | 70% |
| Creativity and innovation | 70% |
| Complex problem solving | 64% |
| Quantitative reasoning | 60% |
| Personal and Social Responsibility Skills | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Intercultural competence (teamwork in diverse groups) | 76% |
| Intercultural knowledge | 72% |
| Ethics and values | 56% |
| Cultural values/traditions - U.S./global | 53% |
| Creativity and innovation | 70% |
| Complex problem solving | 64% |
| Quantitative reasoning | 60% |
| Integrative Learning Skills | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Applied knowledge in real world setting | 73% |
For more information, see the AAC&U web site.