Describes a summer internship as a faculty technical writer with a business corporation, revising installation manuals based upon information from computer programers--an experience that highlighted technical writers' need for interpersonal skills. (HTH)

Cites two examples pertaining to the cultural context of technical communication in which cultural factors affected the writing problems that surfaced. Argues that teachers and consultants must make their students and clients aware of the cultural effects pertaining to their writing. (HTH)

Searched article, book, and dissertation entries in reference lists in one volume year for two counseling journals, for accuracy. Found 44.9 percent of the verified references contained at least one error. Some errors could be explained as typographical. Concludes that with reference list preparation, writers in the counseling field seem to be…

Three technical word processing systems for microcomputers are reviewed. Tech/Print, a basic addition to Word Star, is easy to use and adequate for simple or low volume mathematics. Math Text is very good, but not well suited for heavy text processing. T3, the most expensive, is excellent for both standard and technical text. (JAZ)

Describes a teaching technique designed to help students understand how and why technical writing works. Students study journal articles by answering lists of questions focusing on unity, coherency, definitions, illustrations, and documentation, then apply principles they learned through the exercise to preparing an informative report. (SKC)

Discusses over one hundred recent works on audience analysis and adaptation, subdivided into the following categories: the role of audience in the technical text, audience analysis and adaptation in the technical writing classroom, and contemporary issues and problems in audience analysis. (SKC)

Analyzes public relations writing as an activity which is uniquely related to organizational goals and objectives. Provides a basis for theory by linking rhetorical theory and communication management and describes a method for framing public relations writing objectives. Notes that objective statements are useful because, among other things, they…

This study examined how knowledge of text structure may aid in comprehension and recall. One hundred forty-three students were assigned to read a canonical or a noncanonical text after half of them received instruction in text structure. Their written recall of the text was then evaluated for comprehension. Methodology and results are discussed.…

Identifies and examines six proposal writing subgoals to help students understand not only what they need to do but how they need to do it. Suggests that, by showing students several examples of each goal, they will be able to revise to meet these goals in later documents. (MS)

Constructs industry-related writing assignments for students of chemical engineering to simulate communication tasks they will face as professionals. (MS)

Explains to day care directors the guidelines for writing an updated, comprehensive, clear, user-friendly day care staff handbook that spells out which types of employee behavior are encouraged and which are discouraged, and informs employees about rights and benefits. (RWB)

Suggests that technical writing theory, which views the writing process as a process of design, can be applied in the writing classroom. Presents several strategies for teaching design, including teaching editing by levels, making better assignments, and stressing organization. (MM)

Argues that the product versus process controversy applies to business writing because such writing is a form of composition. Discusses the advantages of a process-oriented approach to a business writing class. Claims that such a course leaves students better prepared to write effectively in the professional world. (JD)

Claims that baseball coaches and writing instructors have similar responsibilities--to lead their pupils through the tasks to be learned, not simply to tell their students "how it is done." Argues that the process approach to instruction provides students with the feedback that is essential to learning without unnecessary pressure. (JD)

Provides information on how to organize and teach report writing skills in the intermediate grades. Divides the task into 8 steps, beginning with identifying a topic for research and ending with editing the final draft. Includes a list of evaluative questions which students may use to assess their work. (JDH)