Investigates methods of program assessment used by corporate learning sites and profiles value added methods as a way to both construct and evaluate academic programs in technical communication. Examines and critiques assessment methods from corporate training environments including methods employed by corporate universities and value added…

Based on the theme of assessment, this proceedings presents papers and discussions from the annual meeting of the Council for Programs in Technical and Scientific Communication (CPTSC). Three papers in the proceedings discussing curricula are: "Model(s) for Educating Professional Communicators" (Marilyn M. Cooper); "Summary of…

Discusses three challenges (dealing with program diversity, accommodating conflicting emphases, and precipitating positive change) in evaluating academic technical communication programs. Outlines an approach to program evaluation that redefines the stakeholders to include a wide range of partners in both workplace and academy, and that uses a…

Summarizes the results of a conference at which program heads evaluated technical communications offerings. (RB)

Outlines the kinds of issues technical communicators should address in a valid assessment. Notes the kind of assumptions and ensuing questions that will surround a thorough assessment of programs, classes, teachers, and students. (RS)

Proposes a theoretical frame for technical communication pedagogy based on six layered literacies: basic, rhetorical, social, technological, ethical, and critical. Suggests how the frame can be applied to a program of study or individual course in order to establish teaching objectives; develop course and lesson activities; and assess pedagogical…

Based on the theme of recruiting, tenuring, and promoting technical communication faculty, this proceedings presents the agenda for the 1989 annual meeting of the Council for Programs in Technical and Scientific Communication (CPTSC), a report on the annual business meeting, and a proposal to create a CPTSC Program Review Board. Appendixes present…

Focusing on what quality "is" in technical and scientific communication programs, the papers in this proceedings are divided into five sections: Quality in Programs; Quality in Administrators; Quality in Teachers; Quality in Students; and Quality in Graduates. Papers in the proceedings are: "The Proof Is in the Pudding: Evaluating…

Discusses purpose of resume, describes "advertisement" aspect, and encourages participants to inventory their assets and experiences, and to gather information about their chosen occupational areas. Explains traditional formats and offers suggestions for attractive layout and reproduction. Found that persons who talk with others produce…

Intended for use by practitioners in the private and public sectors as well as by students, this book emphasizes writing techniques for internal and external proposals. The book stresses the competitive nature of proposals, the need to improve writing skills, the need for audience analysis, and the need to understand how presentation affects…

Examines the dissemination of information about new methods for teaching technical writing at the University of Wisconsin-Stout as an example of diffusion theory. Results indicate that though the formal impetus for change came from above, the innovation originally came from below and spread through peer networks. (SRT)

Advocates student learning portfolios as an effective assessment technique. Explains how to devise a process that involves community expert partners in judging a student portfolio contest in technical writing. Discusses how to sustain community involvement in program assessment and describes how portfolio assessment led to the creation of a…

Based on the theme of issues, questions, and controversies in program development and review, this proceedings presents papers delivered at the annual meeting of the Council for Programs in Technical and Scientific Communication (CPTSC). Papers in the proceedings are divided into four sections: Benchmarks for Quality: Developing Criteria for…

Addressing the difficulty encountered by many vocational students in narrowing, focusing, developing, and structuring their ideas for technical writing projects, a computer program was designed to provide these students with a simple, time-saving method of brainstorming and organizing their thoughts. By asking thought-generating questions…

Elements of the legal writing program are presented and discussed: goals, structure, assignments, instructional method, and program problems (credit hours, faculty-student relationship, grading by tutors, competition for library resources, low level of basic student skills). Available from Union University, 80 Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208;…