Sprint at a glance: Plain language writing

Imagine a student, eagerly diving into a research paper assigned by one of your colleagues. They navigate through paragraphs densely packed with jargon, convoluted sentences, and obscure references. Frustration mounts as they struggle to decipher the meaning that is hidden beneath layers of complex language. This scenario is all too familiar in higher education, where the pursuit of academic excellence often inadvertently alienates students due to the inaccessible nature of scholarly writing.

The problem: Obscure language

In our quest to uphold academic rigor, we may unintentionally create barriers for students who do not have the same level of familiarity with disciplinary language or who come from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The use of obtuse language poses several problems:

1. Exclusion and marginalization: Complex language can alienate students who are not well-versed in academic discourse, perpetuating feelings of inadequacy and exclusion. This can particularly affect students from underrepresented or non-traditional backgrounds, widening existing equity gaps in education.

2. Impeded learning: When students struggle to comprehend course materials due to overly complex language, their learning outcomes suffer. Instead of engaging with the content, they may become discouraged and disengaged, hindering their academic progress.

3. Limited accessibility: Inaccessibility extends beyond students; it also affects broader audiences, including individuals with disabilities or those whose first language is not English. Writing in plain language ensures that educational resources are accessible to a diverse range of learners, fostering inclusivity and equity.

The solution: Plain language writing

Now, let's shift our focus to a solution: the adoption of plain language writing. Plain language refers to clear, concise, and easily understandable communication that prioritizes accessibility without sacrificing depth or complexity of ideas. Embracing plain language offers a multitude of benefits:

1. Enhanced comprehension: By simplifying language and structure, educators can make complex concepts more accessible to students, facilitating deeper understanding and engagement with course materials. This approach empowers students to actively participate in academic discourse and promotes a more inclusive learning environment.

2. Improved retention: When students can grasp course content more readily, they are better equipped to retain information and apply it in various contexts. Plain language writing promotes retention by minimizing cognitive overload and allowing students to focus on conceptual mastery rather than deciphering convoluted language.

3. Increased Accessibility: Plain language writing transcends linguistic and cognitive barriers, making educational resources more accessible to a wider audience. Whether students have limited English proficiency, learning disabilities, or simply prefer straightforward communication, plain language ensures that everyone can fully participate in the learning process.

Practicing plain language

As instructors committed to the learning and success of each student, we have a responsibility to prioritize the accessibility of our communication. Here are some actionable steps we can take to integrate plain language principles into our teaching practices:

Simplify language

Strive to use clear and straightforward language in course materials, assignments, and lectures. Avoid unnecessary jargon and acronyms, and provide explanations for specialized terms when necessary.

Use generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Copy and paste what you have written into a tool like Copilot from Microsoft. You can access and use Copilot with your University of Missouri System account. Ask the tool to analyze your writing, identify any particularly troublesome or difficult passages, and rewrite them. You can even specify a specific grade level that the tool should write in. Please access Missouri Online's resources on generative AI here.

Break down complex ideas

Instead of overwhelming students with dense paragraphs, break down complex ideas into digestible chunks. Use bullet points, diagrams, and examples to illustrate key concepts and enhance comprehension.

Solicit feedback

Regularly seek feedback from students regarding the clarity and accessibility of course materials. Pay attention to their concerns and suggestions, and be willing to revise content accordingly to better meet their needs.

Provide resources

Offer supplementary resources, such as plain language guides or tutorials, to support students in developing their reading and writing skills. Encourage them to seek assistance when needed and create a supportive learning environment where questions are welcomed.

Conclusion

By embracing plain language writing, we can dismantle barriers to learning and foster a culture of inclusivity and accessibility in higher education. Let us commit to making our communication more transparent, our ideas more approachable, and our classrooms more welcoming to all students. Together, we can bridge the gap between academic excellence and accessibility, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in our scholarly community.

Created on April 25, 2024