Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jul 1975

New Directions in Teaching Technical Report Writing

Michael P. Jordan Queen's University

Abstract

The traditional instruction of technical report writing leans heavily on the conventions of English grammar and on principles advocated by grammarians, journalists, and literature scholars. The effect has been so strong—particularly in North America—that the word “technical” in technical writer, technical writing, and technical reports has literally become almost meaningless. This article discusses a few important differences between technical and nontechnical writing. It also explains some shortcomings of the traditional instruction and suggests methods of improvement.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1975-07-01
DOI
10.2190/695h-nyh8-3exe-8lc4
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Closed
Topics
teacher development technical communication professional writing grammar and mechanics
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Connor (1994)
    Research on Technical and Scientific Communication in Canada: A Bibliographical…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Jordan (1981)
    Some Associated Nominals in Technical Writing
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

References (16) · 4 in this index

  1. “Practical Communication Courses for Engineering Students,” Jordan M., Engineering Journal, June 1972.
  2. “Documenting Canada's Secondary Industry,” Pilfold D., Jordan M., Engineering Journal, June 1972.
  3. “Performance Specifying,” Jordan M., Canadian Consulting Engineer, May 1974.
  4. “Elements of Efficient Communication,” Jordan M., PROC 21st ITCC, Houston, Texas, U.S.A., May 1973.
  5. Douglas (1974)
    The Common Diseases of Technical Writing
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Show all 16 →
  1. Dandridge (1973)
    Notes toward a Definition of Technical Writing
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Studies in English Adverbial Usage, Greenbaum S., University of Miami Press, page 80.
  3. Jordan (1974)
    “Besides Moreover However and but” Conjunctions—Order Out of Confusion
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  4. Jordan (1974)
    Next Then Although More Too—Conjunctions in Action
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. (1972)
    CSI Manual of Practice MP-2A
  6. Brody B. (1973)
    Logic—Theoretical and Applied
  7. “Technical Technical Writing Courses,” Jordan M., Pilfold D., Ontario Technologist, March/April 1972.
  8. “Communication Courses for Engineers,” Pilfold D., Jordan M., Canadian Training Methods, September/October 1972.
  9. “A Lack of Technical Writing Education is now a Serious Problem,” Jordan M., Canadian Consulting Engineer, Ju…
  10. Language, Bloomfield L., Henry Holt, page 20, 1933.
  11. 10.2307/811627
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CrossRef global citation count: 2 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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