Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jul 1983

A Survey of Technical Communication Students: Attitudes, Skills, and Aspirations

David H. Covington North Carolina State University ; Clifford M. Krowne

Abstract

A survey of technical communication students at North Carolina State University has revealed information about students' perceptions of their communication skills and abilities, their immediate and long-range career plans, and what should be offered in a technical communication course. This information complements information gathered from surveys of business and industrial employers and of technical graduates on the job. The results of the survey suggest the desirability of increased technical communication course emphasis on oral reports and simulating professional communication activities. The survey also suggests specific areas for emphasis in the teaching of organization, format, and style.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1983-07-01
DOI
10.2190/jrrw-tpxf-d6lc-temr
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Open Access
Closed
Topics
teacher development technical communication professional writing
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References (10)

  1. Anderson P. V., Research into the Amount, Importance, and Kinds of Writing Performed on the Job by Graduates …
  2. Davis R. M. (1977)
    The Technical Writing Teacher
  3. Glenn T. J. and Green M. M., Re-Evaluation and Adaptation — Revising a Course to Meet Graduates' Needs, Proce…
  4. Skelton T. (1977)
    Technical and Professional Communication: Teaching in the Two-Year College, Four-Year Col…
  5. Barton B. F. and Barton M., The Nature and Treatment of Professional Engineering Problems: The Technical Writ…
Show all 10 →
  1. Covington D. H. (1979)
    Engineering Education
  2. Covington D. H. and Keedy H. F., Convergence of the Twain: The Advantages of Team-Teaching a Technical Commun…
  3. Covington D. H. and Keedy H. F., Teaching Technical Communication to Engineers: Classroom Responses to the Ne…
  4. Covington D. H. and Keedy H. F., Subjectivity in Grading Reports: Guidelines for Engineering Professors, Proc…
  5. Krowne C. M. and Covington D. H., Integrating Engineering and Technical Communication in Sophomore Electrical…
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