The discourse-based interview (DBI) allows researchers to explore writers' tacit knowledge. This article describes how we taught and learned to adapt a DBI-based interviewing process through the reflections of both the professor and two graduate students in a graduate-level course, Field Methods in Technical Communication. By participating in a…

Many children struggle to communicate explicitly about the relationships between variables and concepts that are central to science content. In order for students to talk and write like scientists, they need to acquire ways of using language common in science discourse. For example, in the writing above, the student uses the word "play"…

A new graduate chemistry course was introduced in the Department of Chemistry at The University of Alabama. The new course, CH584-Literature and Communication in Graduate Chemistry, replaced a second year graduate student literature seminar requirement. Course topics included chemical information resources, critical analysis, scientific writing,…

This article introduces a new course in the Virginia Community College System English Curriculum, "English 114: Scientific Writing." The article briefly reviews the concept of "science rhetoric," then discusses the intended audience and purpose of the course, and explains the basic goals of the course in relation to the…

The self-service nature of today's society means that technical communicators are needed more than ever before since users may find themselves struggling to make sense of online documentation with minimal support from the institutions that provide it. Certain demographics within the user population (older adults, disabled persons, non-native…

As a teacher of technical writing, the author applauds the emphasis on the strategies of research and on documented, problem-solving writing across the curriculum and on bringing writing-for-the-workplace into the first-year writing classroom. However, as a teacher of literature, he rejects the notion that responding to literature has no practical…

Engaging undergraduate students in designing and executing original research should not only be accompanied by technique training but also intentional instruction in the critical analysis and writing of scientific literature. The course described here takes a rigorous approach to scientific reading and writing using primary literature as the model…

As the knowledge that students have to learn becomes more specialized and complex in secondary schools, the language that constructs such knowledge also becomes more technical, dense, abstract, and complex, patterning in ways that enable content experts to engage in specialized social and semiotic practices. In order to effectively engage with the…

Argues that technical communicators must be prepared to communicate via multiple media, including video. Describes a technical scriptwriting course that develops skills useful in several media. Discusses pedagogical strategies, three major assignments, reading assignments, client assignments, production diary assignment, and new technology. (SR)

Provides descriptions of courses offered at various colleges in the following areas: (1) improvement of technical communication; (2) technology and technical communication; (3) technical communication of scientific material; and (4) media for technical communication. Offers these descriptions as a means for creating technical writing assignments.…

Microcomputers are used in a technical writing course to enhance instructor and student productivity, improve the quality of student writing performance, and prepare young engineers for future on-the-job communication tasks. Describes the microcomputer facility, software, and activities included in the course. Also provides information on the…

Describes the development of a course in graphics and audiovisuals as they are applied in technical communication. Includes brief discussions of the course design, general course structure, course objectives, course content, student evaluation, and student reaction. Indicates that the course includes information on theory, graphics, audiovisuals,…

Uses a case-study approach to describe and analyze the effects of emphasizing design principles in a technical communication course. Looks at student assignments and at student self-evaluative comments about their assignments. Suggests that focusing on design principles can help students improve the organization and design of their documents. (PA)

Encourages business communication teachers to consider teaching a consulting course to people already in business and industry. Provides a set of directions for planning the first consulting course and suggestions for the course content. (EL)

Describes the organization and the benefit of using the team-teaching approach in a technical writing course for chemical engineering students. (RL)