Explains format, style rules, and lexicographic conventions that improve clarity and precision in a technical glossary. Discusses general rules, rules of style, rules of grammar and syntax, and rules for figures. Describes the computer display techniques and file management system used to develop such a glossary. (SR)

Describes guidelines used in a unit devoted to legal issues in a business communication class. Teaches students how to avoid legal liability in their writing by choosing words carefully, avoiding words with negative connotations, preferring language with positive or neutral connotations, drawing conclusions carefully, writing with precision, and…

Describes how short assignments such as peer critiques, progress memos, and practice documents can be fairly assessed by incorporating them in a performance review at the middle and end of the business writing course. Notes that such a review also helps prepare students for the evaluation process they will face and use in the workplace. (SR)

Considers how different teachers integrate research on international technical communication into their classrooms. Describes the following courses taught from an international perspective: a graduate seminar, a high-tech course in engineering communication, and an introductory course on creating "world-ready" information products.…

Examines audience-centered writing strategies in two early sewing machine manuals. Considers the difference between non-sexist and gender-neutral writing. Concludes that avoiding sexism in technical writing may sometimes be impossible. (PA)

Examines the process of review as a method of formative evaluation of texts. Bases the description on three empirical studies of professional writing practices including the goals of review, the actors involved in the process, the moments in the text production process that review is taking place, and the procedures followed. (SG)

Compares two methods of pretesting--the plus-minus method and the think-aloud method--with respect to their suitability for evaluating sites on the World Wide Web. Suggests that the plus-minus method is a more appropriate method for testing Web sites than the think-aloud method, but makes three qualifications to this conclusion. (SG)

Determines what factors, if any, are predictors of computer anxiety among business communication students. Explores alternative teaching strategies suggested by the literature to effectively reduce computer anxiety in business communication classrooms. Concludes that it has become imperative for every instructor to develop an understanding both of…

Describes the writer's experiences teaching American business writing in Russia and attempting to find documents for comparison of Russian and American approaches to business communication. Finds that the most documents common in the United States are rare or nonexistent in Russia; there, documents exist largely to show to officials rather than to…

Notes that while many technical communication instructors declare the benefits of client projects, too often instructors do not prepare students to interact with clients. Reviews a qualitative case study that demonstrates the difficulty students can have interacting with clients. Relates how students may not always be prepared to listen or respond…

Notes that as service learning becomes a popular pedagogical approach in technical and professional writing courses, instructors need to examine critically the causes of practical problems that arise when classroom work involves nonprofit agencies. Notes that reflection may help students understand the problems they encountered, but it will not…

Surveys instructors and students regarding what they believe students learn and what writing skills they improve by completing business report writing assignments. Finds that business communication instructors reported greater improvement in students' skills than students reported for themselves. Offers four guidelines for closing this gap.…

Examines the roles played by technology and the rhetorical practices surrounding that technology in the formation of work roles and the relationships at a small Internet start-up company. Investigates the technical/social split in the workplace, how it is created and enacted, and how it impacts workers and daily work as well as the perceived…

Considers the process of translation in the framework of the postmodern debate about language and reality as well as the economic, cultural, and social phenomena that have transformed the communication landscape during the past 50 years. Suggests students would become better professional communicators if they spent more time reading, especially…

Explains the work for hire doctrine and describes the circumstances under which it has been applied in academic workplaces. Enables readers to recognize and understand the legal concepts surrounding work for hire. Explicates related case law and suggests treatment of work for hire by instructors and administrators in rhetoric and technical…