Presents steps for using illustrations from the start of the technical writing class to help students learn to design and integrate relevant visual aids. (HTH)

Addresses position of printed documentation in computing as it exists for use by university community. Highlights include criticisms of computer manuals, the discerning reader, form and content, trends in system design, features of good manuals, and three principles to follow when considering use or purchase of computer system. (11 references)…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of prepackaged software programs and custom-developed software programs, along with the use of microcomputers. (MD)

Examines how a technical writing textbook defied its own writing prescription to use short concise sentences, noting that this and other such prescriptions oversimplify. (HTH)

Summarizes recent research into systems of lexical and grammatical cohesion in technical description. Discusses various methods by which technical writers "re-enter" the topic of description back into the text in successive sentences. (HTH)

Discusses the similarities and differences between the kind of writing that is commonly taught in English courses (composition, creative writing) and that taught in technical education classes (technical report writing, technical communications); and between creative and technical writers. (DMM)

Argues that (1) the boundaries of technical writing can be defined by using concepts from formal linguistics and (2) that technical writing should be limited to the study and teaching of pragmatic conventions of structure and meaning encountered by those working in technical contexts. (FL)

Argues that technical writing teachers must emphasize the concept of ethos in their classroom because students need to know not only how their ethos emerges in what they write, but how to convey a positive ethos that will influence readers to accept their investigations and arguments. (FL)

Sets out a list of 10 principles to instill in students of business communication and calls for papers and responses to the list. (AEA)

Discusses three facets of classical invention: (1) the use of topics, (2) the distinction of kinds of issues, and (3) the difference between technical and nontechnical methods of argument. (AEA)

Provides guidelines for the effective writing of psychoeducational reports based on a literature review and logical analysis. Presents a relatively standard report outline with specific recommendations for each section. The literature reviewed consists of surveys of consumers' opinions, research studies, and books and articles describing the…

Defines elucidation as writing to teach and inform "all" about a complex sequence or process so that even a novice can complete the process without problems. Provides a model for writing description/instruction, using elucidation in the introduction, conclusion, and body of the essay. (HTH)

Explores the use of Strunk and White's "Elements of Style" as a tool for teaching editing skills to technical writing students. Discusses a procedure for and likely results of using this work in the classroom. (HTH)

Describes the process of redesigning an association's monthly newsletter. (AEA)

Discusses the functions of using visuals in communicating and comprehending information. (AEA)