Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 2024

A Field Wide Snapshot of Student Learning Outcomes in the Technical and Professional Communication Service Course

Jessica Griffith University of South Florida ; Tanya Zarlengo University of South Florida ; Lisa Melonçon University of South Florida

Abstract

Using the technical and professional communication service course as the site for research, and student learning outcomes (SLOs) as the specific focus, we gathered, coded, and analyzed 503 SLOs from 93 institutions. Our results show the top outcomes are rhetoric, genre, writing, design, and collaboration. We discuss these outcomes and then we offer programmatic implications drawn from the data that encourage technical and professional communication program administrators and faculty to use common SLOs, to improve outcome development, and to reconsider the purpose of the service course for students.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2024-01-01
DOI
10.1177/00472816221134535
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Open Access
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Topics
rhetorical criticism genre theory collaborative writing writing program administration professional writing
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (4)

  1. Tham (2026)
    Evolving Information Design: Insights from Senior Experts in Technical and Prof…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  2. Gubala et al. (2025)
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    Technical Communication Quarterly
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    Technical Communication Quarterly
  4. Melonçon et al. (2024)
    Back to the Basics: Uncovering the Rhetoric Student Learning Outcome
    Business and Professional Communication Quarterly

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