Notes that business communication courses should include basic machine dictation training. Lists advantages of machine dictation over other methods and gives an example of a unit outline for training students. Provides two exercises and a form for evaluating dictation. (TJ)

Suggests ways of developing student skills in writing letters of request. (RL)

Describes a system for grading individual assignments that combines objective guidelines with flexibility for the instructor and gives students opportunities to earn positive reinforcement. Shows how the system allows for the addition or subtraction of quality points. (RL)

Demonstrates a model business-report format that can be used in business classes other than business report writing. (RL)

Presents a model for the long report that can be used to subsume several technical writing forms and skills: the proposal, the progress report, formal and informal oral presentations, and the format of the long report itself. (FL)

Offers two assignments to develop students' problem solving skills: the first focuses on drawing issues, distinguishing key from subsidiary issues, and determining the relative importance of supportive details; the second helps students develop coping skills, relating the known to the unknown in a simulation of the work environment. (RL)

Shows that requiring students to evaluate the business communication course in a memo to the teacher gives students writing practice while ensuring total feedback about the course from all the students. (RL)

Indicates how annual reports can be used for class discussions, class demonstrations, and out-of-class writing assignments in business communications courses. (RL)

Offers a writing assignment in which students analyze the operations of a failing small business and make written recommendations on improving prospects. (AEA)

Describes (1) an annual report assignment that includes concepts to be learned and teaching strategies, (2) methods of introducing the business communications course during its first week, (3) and preparing visual aids from financial periodicals. (EL)

Describes a business communications class assignment to complete an annotated bibliography on high technology communication and its objectives. Includes questions discussed by the class on the due date of the assignment. (HTH)

Essays discuss (1) a business communications class assignment in writing letters of commendation for products or services, (2) a heuristic approach to improving oral reports, and (3) a controlled walkthrough approach for analytical report writing. (HTH)

Two assignments used in a commercial French course are modeled after case studies often required in business courses. They serve three functions for commercial French students: (1) to increase awareness of foreign investments and business in the United States as well as American business activities abroad, (2) to give students valuable experience…

Research has shown that although university instructors of English as a Second Language are aware of the benefits that active learning can bring the student, teacher-centered, traditional lecture method classes are still the norm. Resistance to change is due in part to large class sizes, limited instruction hours, and the perception that proactive…

This paper addresses the many uses of the writing portfolio in general education at the college level, particularly in classrooms teaching business communication. It describes what elements could be contained within a portfolio, the role the portfolio can play in the assessment process, and the pedagogical implications of a class that is organized…