Presents sequential assignments that require group cooperation and allow technical communication students to perceive the connection between self and subject as they become involved in various discourse communities rather than acting out simulated case studies. (HTH)

The implicit assumption behind personal writing assignments given at the beginning of a writing course is that personal essays eliminate the writing apprehension of having nothing to say. However, college freshmen find it very difficult to write about themselves and their own opinions because this writing involves abstract mental processes and…