Journal of Business and Technical Communication Oct 1993

The Technical Communication Internship: An Application of Experiential Learning Theory

SHERRY BURGUS LITTLE

Abstract

Experiential learning theory provides a theoretical foundation for studying technical communication internships. This study explores, through the perspective of the experiential learning cycle model developed by David Kolb, internships in technical communication. Participants in technical communication internship experiences were asked to provide, from their different perspectives, information that described the experience. Program directors, industrial supervisors, and student interns provided different views of what they had experienced, illustrating that most had entirely different perspectives on their level of participation in creating, supervising, and evaluating this form of educational experience. Besides describing technical communication programs in the United States more comprehensively, the results of this study raise questions about how the respondents perceived their experience and how the “reality” of these perceptions often conflict. When these findings are explored within the epistemology conceptualized by Kolb's experiential learning theory, a framework is established for more systemic procedures and standards that will enhance the internship as a credible learning experience.

Journal
Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Published
1993-10-01
DOI
10.1177/1050651993007004002
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Open Access
Closed
Topics
service learning technical communication
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (6)

  1. Parks (2026)
    Internship Practices in Technical and Professional Communication Programs
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  2. Bay (2017)
    Training Technical and Professional Communication Educators for Online Internsh…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  3. Bourelle (2012)
    Bridging the Gap between the Technical Communication Classroom and the Internsh…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  4. Wible (2009)
    Internships: Theory and Practice. Charles H. Sides and Ann Mrvica. Amityville, …
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  5. Tovey (2001)
    Building Connections between Industry and University: Implementing an Internshi…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
Show all 6 →
  1. Savage (1997)
    Doing Unto Others through Technical Communication Internship Programs
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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CrossRef global citation count: 14 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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