Context for Writing in Engineering Curriculum

Abstract

An integrated approach to teaching technical writing requires a unified faculty commitment to improving student writing, student motivation, appropriate writing assignments, strong evaluation standards, and productive instruction techniques. Effective technical writing has certain distinguishing qualities: a clearly defined audience and purpose, careful organization and development of ideas, and a concise and accurate style. Students can best develop these qualities when writing assignments and instruction are presented in the realistic context of engineering problem solving. The writers advocate the collaborative development of student writing by both English and engineering faculties. In an effective collaborative program, all engineering instructors stress the importance of writing in engineering practice and in their evaluation of student writing assignments, while using effective teaching strategies like peer and self review of writing drafts, one‐to‐one conferencing, and portfolio evaluation.