Presents a variety of examples showing the practicability of experiential learning in technical writing courses. (RL)

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

Describes technical writing as the catalyst that allows science, business, and the humanities to interact and lists some of the opportunities the technical writing teacher has in this catalytic role. (TJ)

Describes the role of the translator and the problems of translating in Canadian diplomatic affairs. (AM)

Notes that guidelines for the curriculum in English published by the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association have been criticized by a number of publications. Proposes a new guideline--for writing to convey factual information only. (PA)

Examines why postsecondary technical graduates often need remediation to improve their writing skills and suggests a framework for developing solutions to the problem. (JOW)

Examines the strategic planning experience of the Information Design and Development organization (then called Technical Publications) in DuPont's External Affairs division. Describes why strategic planning was undertaken, the process used, logistics involved in preparing for and carrying out the process, and results. Shows that the experience can…

Argues that researchers can benefit as scholars/teachers by conducting studies in the history of business and technical writing within the framework of the new historicism. Discusses problems and features of historical studies literature. Explains the legitimizing effects of treating studies as the new historicism. Advocates teaching students to…

Finds that, as a task, technical communication has not changed at all in the United Kingdom and Europe, and that, as a professional occupation, it has evolved slowly. Suggests that, as a procedure, however, technical communication has changed dramatically, mostly because electrical and electronic equipment has made life easier for technical…

States that promotional writing for industrial/high-tech products, or technical copywriting, is gaining more attention in technical communication, although it is neglected in higher education. Testifies to the significance of technical copywriting. Suggests that dialogical audience analysis and an emphasis on rational appeal will contribute to…

Comments on a translation of a poultice transcription, believed to be at least 4000 years old. The tablet suggests that the history of one distinctive linguistic feature of technical writing is much older than previously imagined. (three references) (Author/CK)

A brief, concrete assignment introduces technical writing more effectively than the traditional "Do a five-page lab report." Students produce a one-page document, writing one or two simple sentences under clearly defined subheadings for objects they can see and touch. (JOW)

States that, although the passive voice may be overused in legal prose, legal writing guidebooks undervalue its uses. Introduces the passive voice and gives some possible reasons for its use. Outlines the many situations when the passive is more appropriate than the active voice. (PA)

Offers a perspective on "techne" that respects the formative--not professional--situation of technical writing students and emphasizes the importance for technical writers to attend to history, artistry, and well-developed social relations in their work. Offers historically grounded, creative meditations on "techne" that…

Tested model for writing psychological reports that specified types of data and mode of data presentation most likely to be viewed positively by readers. School psychologists rated comparable sets of statements that might appear in school psychological reports, one set model based and the other not. Respondents rated model-based statements as…