Describes how a knowledge of writing mechanics, subject matter, and communication principles are involved in effectively translating firsthand information into technical writing; stresses the importance of audience awareness. (MAI)

Describes how a freshman English course can be taught with a technical writing emphasis to make the course more relevant to the needs and interests of students planning technical careers. (TJ)

Describes how a technical writing course for pharmacy students was developed. Includes a course outline and a description of some of the course materials. (TJ)

Describes how a class of technical writing students learned to create their own style guides relevant to their areas of specialty. Includes a composite style guide. (TJ)

Describes a spelling instruction method in which overhead transparencies, spelling lists, audio cassette practice tapes, and weekly quizzes are used. (TJ)

Identifies and discusses four basic skills needed for good report writing: collecting and recording information; notetaking; using reference sources; and organizing notes for writing. (JMB)

Describes a project called JURIVOC which sought to deal with the problem of a duality of language and a duality in legal systems in Canada. The development of a bilingual lexicon is discussed, and an example is given of the classic language/legal system duality in Canadian law. (AM)

Discusses translation problems resulting from semantic differences in legal and sociopolitical vocabulary, and the translator's responsibility in exposing erroneous or false presuppositions found in the source document. (AM)

The demand for instrumental or functional writing is increasing. (DD)

States that, although studies of ethics in technical communication focus on behavior analysis and offer heuristics for deciding ethical dilemmas, interviews with 48 technical communicators reveal little exercise of such analytical processes. Finds that the majority make moral choices on the job through feelings, intuition, and conscience. Opines…

Considers pluses and minuses of establishing a corporate style guide. Surveys articles and conference presentations (published between 1985 and 1995) on style guides. Analyzes significance and contribution of each. Suggests areas for further research, specifically quantitative analysis of the value of style guides. (PA)

Relates that, in the mid-1500s, Agricola combined the traditions of Hermetic secrets and handbooks to compile mining lore into "De Re Metallica," in which he wrote clearly and simply, illustrated information with graphics, and rationalized use of occult knowledge based on utility. States his text paved the way for philosophers to…

Defines pseudotransactionality as writing that is patently designed by a student to meet teacher expectations rather than to perform the "real" function the teacher has suggested. Attempts to analyze the problem from a sociohistorical perspective, using M. Bakhtin's theory of genre and Vygotskian activity theory. Suggests how this…

Investigates methods of program assessment used by corporate learning sites and profiles value added methods as a way to both construct and evaluate academic programs in technical communication. Examines and critiques assessment methods from corporate training environments including methods employed by corporate universities and value added…

Describes the history of the development of the paper sewing pattern, discusses the role personal communications with consumers played as the genre evolved, and offers observations on the kinds of instruction provided by sewing machine and pattern companies. Concludes that once a genre is sufficiently established to become a standard, industries…