This article uses theories of technical communication and archives to advance a pedagogy that includes archival production in the technical communication classroom. By developing and maintaining local classroom archives, students directly engage in valuable processes of appraisal, selection, collaboration, and retention. The anticipated outcomes…

Wikis (websites that can be edited quickly by multiple authors) were used with upper-primary school children to write group reports on a science topic. Two teachers observed the children working, and their observations were used alongside the texts from the wikis and group interviews with children to explore the question of whether using wikis…

As public relations professions advance toward new media platforms, one traditional tool--the backgrounder/position paper (more technically termed white paper) remains a compelling vehicle to impart enduring professional competencies. Moreover, the skills requisite to produce a white paper can be deployed in a variety of new and traditional media…

An integrated technical writing and design course has been developed at Rowan University. This course was developed using aspects of project-based learning and recent discussions about design education, as well as pedagogical approaches from the write-to-learn and the writing in the disciplines (WID) movements. The result is a course where the…

Describes how a class of technical writing students learned to create their own style guides relevant to their areas of specialty. Includes a composite style guide. (TJ)

Outlines procedures for procuring and evaluating actual annual reports for business communication classes. (RL)

Outlines a method of introducing technical writing students to Environmental Impact Statements, which can help students understand decision-making processes, heighten their environmental awareness, and generate class camaraderie. (SR)

Describes ways to use the job interview as a topic in college technical writing assignments, including role-playing either the interviewer or interviewee, observing a professional interviewer at work, and generating business correspondence as a result of an interview. (RL)

Describes a project done by a technical writing class in which a city council was persuaded to take action pertaining to the naming of streets. The project involved extensive research in several areas and a variety of technical writing assignments, and it used the expertise of students with a wide range of academic interests. (TJ)

Provides ways to use the standard functions of word processors to help students effectively edit on-screen "soft copy" as well as ways to counter the illusion of perfection caused by drafts printed on high-resolution laser printers with proportional fonts. (RS)

Develops technical writing skills by organizing the class as a "company." Class activities include forming the company, defining the product, and completing exercises and situations in internal and external business communication. (RL)

Provides a rationale for using group projects as a teaching method in technical writing classes. Includes a description of such projects, materials, and funding, as well as evaluation methods and guidelines. (HTH)