Technical Communication Quarterly Apr 2001

Blurring Boundaries between Technical Communication and Engineering: Challenges of a Multidisciplinary, Client-Based Pedagogy

Patricia Wojahn ; Julie Dyke ; Linda Ann Riley ; Edward Hensel ; Stuart C. Brown

Abstract

Abstract Educational settings tend to provide highly specialized contexts for learning. In contrast, workplaces are increasingly multidisciplinary, presenting challenges often not considered in the technical communication curriculum. Our technical communication program is addressing this issue by building partnerships with programs in mechanical engineering and industrial engineering. In this article, we discuss a study of our initial semester matching technical communication students with teams of engineers in a capstone, client-based design course. We focus on challenges the students faced in the multidisciplinary, client-based experience. Based on our initial results, we suggest that academic and professional settings could do more to address the types of challenges identified. We call for a more inclusive pedagogy, one that expands the boundaries of technical communication and welcomes multidisciplinary experience in shared contexts.

Journal
Technical Communication Quarterly
Published
2001-04-01
DOI
10.1207/s15427625tcq1002_2
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Open Access
Closed
Topics
writing pedagogy technical communication
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (14)

  1. Robles et al. (2019)
    Using Case-Method Pedagogy to Facilitate Audience Awareness
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  2. Tomlinson (2017)
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  3. Bourelle (2015)
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  4. Kramer-Simpson et al. (2015)
    Learning Beyond the Classroom and Textbook: Client Projects’ Role in Helping St…
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  5. Watts et al. (2012)
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  1. Harlow (2010)
    The Province of Sophists: An Argument for Academic Homelessness
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  2. Ward (2009)
    Squaring the Learning Circle: Cross-Classroom Collaborations and the Impact of …
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  3. Shaver et al. (2009)
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  4. Paretti et al. (2007)
    Teaching Technical Communication in an Era of Distributed Work: A Case Study of…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  5. Turnley (2007)
    Integrating Critical Approaches to Technology and Service-Learning Projects
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  6. Turnley (2007)
    Integrating Critical Approaches to Technology and Service-Learning Projects
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  7. Taylor (2006)
    Assessment in Client-Based Technical Writing Classes: Evolution of Teacher and …
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  8. Luzon (2005)
    Genre Analysis in Technical Communication
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  9. Ford (2004)
    Knowledge Transfer Across Disciplines: Tracking RhetoricalStrategies From a Tec…
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication

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