Argues that language and written communication play a critical role in the reacculturation process that enables individuals to make a successful transition from the academic world to a professional environment. Reports results of a mail survey examining the technical communications abilities of aerospace engineering students and the technical…

It is recommended that student financial aid administrators undertake more research to improve their knowledge and control of their programs, understand the effects of policies, and help correct beliefs and attitudes. Choosing a research topic, creating credibility, and writing a complete report are discussed. (MSE)

The editor of a university magazine offers observations about writing and editing science-related articles, focusing on eliciting information during the interview with the researcher, deciding what to write and how to organize it, and rules for self-editing. (MSE)

Discusses the impact of CD-ROM services on reference departments and describes the development of a troubleshooting manual for the Library of Science and Medicine at Rutgers University. The seven steps followed in writing the manual are presented, and it is noted that it has proved to be an effective support for reference and CD-ROM services. (21…

A variety of authentic materials drawn from explanatory texts or offering instructions for performing some daily or common task are presented, and classroom activities for building foreign language competence based on the materials are outlined. (MSE)

The consistent application of sound criteria will increase the reliability of manuscript reviews, but many other factors contribute to low quality research articles. The central question must be whether or not the study was worth doing. Familiarity with the research domain is a necessity for appropriate research evaluation. (SLD)

Investigates the importance of follow-up letters to the job application process. Finds that a slight majority of personnel administrators favor follow-up letters. Finds that letters should immediately follow the interview. Notes that letters may not help to get an interview or a job but suggest "good breeding" and make a favorable…

Argues the need for a conceptual framework to facilitate teaching and investigating intercultural communication. Presents a framework of concepts for pedagogy and research. Includes a core of topics for a unit on intercultural and international communication in a business and technical writing course. (NH)

Proposes rejection of the traditional complex classification of correspondence (letter of inquiry, claim letter, adjustment letter) and the adoption of a simplified system of classification (direct versus indirect communication), addressing the genuine complexity of a specific rhetorical situations. Offers teaching suggestions involving…

Describes a pedagogical strategy that accomplishes the practical aims of courses variously labeled as technical, business, and professional writing but that at the same time offers students the opportunity to recognize and critique the ideology of institutional discourses. (MG)

Presents 48 annotations of journal articles reporting research on using computers to teach technical and business writing published between 1984 and 1990. Arranges it to assist teachers in incorporating this research in the classroom. Covers past research, effect of computers on student attitudes, use of word processors, collaborative writing with…

Describes the way invention is relevant to the practice of technical writing. Studies three engineering students engaged in a real-world project. Shows how the students' technical work and invention for the final report were simultaneous activities. Claims that invention for and through writing overlaps with technical invention. (HB)

Describes the design and evaluation of a formal writing assessment program within a technical writing course. Attempts to evaluate student writing at the conclusion of such a course. Addresses fundamental issues of sound assessment, including reliability and validity. Presents assessment guidelines for technical writing teachers. (HB)

Shows how experiential learning theory provides a theoretical foundation for studying technical communication internships. Provides data from a study of participant views of the internship program. Raises questions about how respondents perceived their experiences and how these views often conflicted. (HB)

Concludes that creating online instructional sites by hand with the help of an HTML editor is generally preferable to using "course-in-a-box" software because instructors can select the components needed to support their pedagogy and construct successful learning experiences for their students. (RS)