Through a Different Looking-Glass: Technical Writing to Train the Imagination

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Apr 1981

Through a Different Looking-Glass: Technical Writing to Train the Imagination

Russell Rutter

Abstract

A technical writing course can simulate the work situation and develop in students the uniquely human faculty of imagination. Whole-group effort is needed to sustain the fiction that the course is a job. Special presentation by the instructor of traditional assignments is essential. Such a course prepares students for demands made on the job. More importantly, the course, by emphasizing the act of imagining, enables students to progress from fitting facts into given formats to designing reports for specific communication situations. Because of this emphasis on imagination, the course is a humanities offering as well as a technical complement.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 1981-04-01
DOI: 10.2190/j7hm-eafa-ll0f-73m1
Topics: multimodality technical communication multilingual writers

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (1)

Youra (1987)

Rewriting the Engineering Curriculum: Professionalism and Professional Communication

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (2)

Stratton (1979)

Technical Writing: What it is and What it isn't

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Britton (1974)

The Trouble with Technical Writing is Freshman English

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Also cites 1 work outside this index ↓

10.2307/356329

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