Technical Communication Instruction in Engineering Schools

Abstract-In the context of the European Higher EducationArea, curriculum design needs to be based on the defined competencies of each degree programs, including both domainspecific and professional competencies. In this educational context, developing students' professional skills poses a new challenge we need to face. The present work proposes a model to globally develop professional skills in an Engineering degree program. Based on competency maps, this model allows careful analysis, revision and iteration for an effective integration of professional skills. We define each competency in terms of "dimensions" (or sub-skills), which are further defined according to three-level objectives. Competency maps are built showing the specific graded objectives, which allows to integrate them most finely into degree subjects. A global competency map is also designed including the objectives to be achieved throughout the degree. This global map becomes a useful tool for curriculum designers and coordinators. It allows them to optimize the workload, and to make adjustments most effectively, helping students develop the defined competencies as a global comprehensive experience. To illustrate our model, we explain how it has been implemented to integrate "Communication skills" into subjects, and how the model has been applied to assess "Appropriate attitude towards work" skills.

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“…A study published in 2004 [10] revealed some general conclusions about graduates' communication skills that should be taken into consideration:…”

Section: An Example Of Competency Integration: Communication Skillsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developing professional skills at tertiary level: A model to integrate competencies across the curriculum

Sánchez

Soler

López

et al. 2014

2014 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE) Proceedings

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“…The research into the writing instruction provided to engineering students and engineers, including Reave [1] and Winsor [2], shows that there is a clear lack of focus on the ability to convey thoughts and ideas through writing. What has been shown in studies such as Brady [3] is that what is taught in college concerning compositional style, strategies, and techniques is often remembered and applied to later writing situations in the workplace.…”

Section: Inadequate Compositional Instructionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Communication Habits of Engineers: A Study of How Compositional Style and Time Affect the Production of Oral and Written Communication of Engineers

Steiner¹

2010

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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Writing is common skill for many whose job requires them to communicate through business documents. But there are many professionals who seemingly have difficulty with writing. Many engineers are required to write proposals and reports yet have received little formal writing instruction. The purpose of this study was to determine if writing apprehension, their composition process, or the presence of deadlines affects the production of documents. The hypothesis was that engineers have high writing apprehension, generally use a product-based approach, and tight deadlines negatively affect the end quality. The researcher conducted in-depth interviews with civil engineers to gauge their level of apprehension, learn their personal composition process and determine how deadlines affect their writing. While the hypothesis was not conclusively supported, the study revealed six key themes into how engineers structure their writing tasks and found that the writing environment of engineers significantly impacts the composition process.

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“…In response, universities have rushed to provide new programs and special courses to prepare engineering students for the writing that is required in their field [1]. Several universities have recognized the need for specific english classes for engineering majors; however, few of the courses are actually taught by engineering professors.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Teaching Technical Writing: Opportunities for International Collaboration

Seawright

2014

Int. J. Eng. Ped.

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Abstract-Globalization of our modern economies requires a workforce that can move easily between time zones and cultures. Professors cannot ignore the drastic impact globalization has and will place upon engineering students. In order to be prepared for a competitive job market and the actual requirements of many engineering positions, students need to understand the constraints and challenges of working with colleagues that may live and work in different cultures, countries, languages, and contexts. However, engineering education rarely offers students an opportunity to practice the realities of our digital and intercultural working environments. This paper outlines one way to offer engineering students with collaborative, international, and intercultural writing projects. Students from a technical writing course in the United States were paired with engineering students in Qatar to develop a set of instructions using multimedia methods. Students learned a great deal from the real-world experience of writing and creating a project across two continents.

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Technical Communication Instruction in Engineering Schools

Cited by 101 publications

References 32 publications

Developing professional skills at tertiary level: A model to integrate competencies across the curriculum

Developing professional skills at tertiary level: A model to integrate competencies across the curriculum

The Communication Habits of Engineers: A Study of How Compositional Style and Time Affect the Production of Oral and Written Communication of Engineers

Teaching Technical Writing: Opportunities for International Collaboration

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