The purpose of this study was to compare scores on writing assignments from traditional, fully online courses in technical writing to pilot, hybrid courses at a southern university. A total of 232 students' assignments were compared in this study. All writing assignments were scored by six trained instructors of English using the same five point…

Offers four reasons for using the case approach in introductory technical writing courses and a sequence of six cases that can be used. (RL)

Examines how patent specifications can be used as structural models for teaching technical description-writing. Describes a series of writing assignments to introduce patents to undergraduate technical-writing students. (MM)

A pretest/posttest assignment involving the writing of a business letter was given to 123 business communication students. Findings indicate that students gain equal efficiency in the understanding of and skill in the application of business writing principles by writing from draft through final copy as they do when editing and revising prewritten…

Describes a writing exercise to help technical writing students determine the appropriate methods of extension for technical definitions, decide which terms need to be defined for a particular audience, and place definitions effectively in the document. (MM)

Uses a single language system--technical description--to illustrate how language systems can now be used as the basis for instruction in technical writing. Provides sample exercises in progressive teaching from simple description to complex continuity devices, showing how they can be used at all stages of the writing process. (HTH)

Outlines a writing activity in which groups of three students collaborate to produce several written assignments in response to a case that fosters differing points of view. Suggests the activity teaches students to represent a unique viewpoint, negotiate differences among collaborators, and share information with teammates. (ARH)

Presents a brainstorming aid for students whose technical writing assignments focus on real problems they must discover on their own. (SRT)

Suggests assigning interview reports to students in order to avoid the problem of lack of teacher expertise on a technical topic. Discusses various formats for this kind of report and ways to implement the interview report. (SRT)

Suggests assigning students a spontaneous "how-to" paper the first day of class to clarify the need for audience and purpose considerations. (HTH)

Describes typical sentence, paragraph, and discourse level sentence combining exercises using material appropriate for technical writers. (HTH)

Describes the characteristics of legalese--inflated and obscure legal language--and suggests strategies for helping present and future document designers create understandable prose. (MM)

Provides a rationale for including technical writing assignments in a freshman composition course. Describes several possible writing assignments, including descriptions of mechanisms, abstracts, and research reports. Also discusses possible texts and other readings for the class and how such assignments affect student attitudes and performance.…