To teach effective business communication, instructors must target students’ current weaknesses in writing. One method for doing so is by assigning writing exercises. When used heuristically, writing exercises encourage students to practice self-assessment, self-evaluation, active learning, and knowledge transfer, all while reinforcing the basics…

Business writing instructors work diligently at raising the level of student writing performance in business communication classes. Some students, however, need additional motivation to apply writing concepts and perform to their highest level. Typically, business students are confronted with hypothetical writing situations, such as claim letters,…

This paper details an assignment sequence that requires graduate students in an applied communication program to identify problems that clients may not be aware of. Good writing and good problem-solving are "inextricably linked to [a student's] ability to frame an issue, gather, and analyze information, and to structure a helpful response" (Musso,…

A primary goal of most introductory business and technical communication courses is to introduce students to the idea that the professional communication most of them will engage in is different from the writing they do for academic purposes. This overall idea covers several principles concerning professional writing. However, implementing active…

In the accounting communication class, which includes both writing and making presentations, the article-based memo has always been the first assignment, in which students learn business formats and writing style, use of headings, audience analysis, and adapting material for different audiences. As part of a large project to revise the accounting…

Considers how business writing class instructors generally assign reports that require source notations in a specific format. Discusses developing questions to be asked with middle or senior level managers at several different businesses. Presents a discussion of the interview results. Provides strong support for requiring students to reference…

Describes a "build-the-box" lesson to develop a better understanding of writing useful and effective instructions. Considers how the lack of instruction with this assignment compels students to think creatively to complete the project. Concludes that many students realize the difficulty in creating easy-to-understand instructions. Enhances the…

Describes a report-writing assignment that uses business letters to bridge the gap between letters and reports. Notes that in the letter writing unit, students learn to apply the principles of good business writing to various types of letters; and in the report-writing unit, students learn the reporting process (planning, data gathering, analysis,…

Presents an assignment, conducted by the business communications instructor as "raconteur," that elicits discussions about ethics, decision making, channeling, legal questions, and the practical applications of business communications. Describes how the class completes a major report on a career and participates in three interviews so that they…

Describes how one teacher of a business writing course uses a car recall notice to address business writing principles of purpose, readers, information, organization, and style in relation to a specific example; and then has students revise it into the type of letter they would like to receive as car owners. Includes two examples of such…

Describes two exercises in story telling used in a variety of business and business communication classes that encourage students to engage actively in course material and to participate in class discussions: (1) applying course concepts and terminology to news items read outside of class; and (2) honing their skills at audience analysis and…

Investigates written communication concepts and strategies integrated into core courses in the College of Business and Economics at the California State University Northridge. Finds striking differences in writing policies, writing standards, assignments, types and results of assessment, and faculty perceptions about writing across the curriculum.…