Quad Charts in the Classroom to Reinforce Technical Communication Fundamentals

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jul 2015

Quad Charts in the Classroom to Reinforce Technical Communication Fundamentals

Julie Dyke Ford New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology ; Tie Wei New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Abstract

Quad charts are a genre frequently used in scientific and technical environments, yet little prior work has evaluated their potential for reinforcing technical communication fundamentals. This article provides background information about quad charts and notes the benefits of implementing quad charts in the classroom. In particular, introducing engineering students to this genre appeals to their tendency to outline information and incorporate visuals in the planning stages of the composing process. The authors share their approach for integrating quad charts within a collaborative project in a fluid dynamics course and note the ways in which the genre facilitated effective project planning and communication within student teams.