Several recent journal articles, especially the one by Charles Sides [1], have questioned the form and function of technical communication. Based on actual experience with three organizations in Oregon, this writer proposes a need to rethink what we teach our technical writing students and how we go about designing assignments that“… simulate the reality of a work environment” [2]. This article will explore the types of technical writing skills which are increasingly in demand and then will offer several strategies for teaching these skills at the college level.
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References
1.
SidesC. H., Quo Vadis, Technical Communication?Journal of Technical Writing and Communication, 24:1, pp. 1–6, 1994.
2.
GersonS. M., Commentary: Teaching Technical Writing in a Collaborative Computer Classroom, Journal of Technical Writing and Communication, 23:1, p. 24, 1993.
3.
RowanK. E., When Simple Language Fails: Presenting Difficult Language to the Public, Journal of Technical Writing and Communication, 21:4, pp. 369–382, 1991.
