The inclusion of communication skills in courses for the training of technical teachers. The problem of assessment and the limitations of traditional methods based on the essay. Consideration of the use of objective tests, and the introduction of a course journal as a feature in a British course for the training of technical teachers. The advantages of the course journal and its value as a communication exercise in training technical teachers, thereby encouraging constructive attitudes to communication at all levels in industry.

The schism between theory and practice is reflected in English studies. British technological universities have attempted to meet the needs of industry in technical fields. Economic and academic pressures often make this difficult. A degree in modern English studies is planned which attempts to combine traditional academic values and functional needs. A new approach to rhetoric combining linguistic and critical disciplines with practical skills in communication can combine liberal and vocational needs. The course content of the degree and the teaching approach is related to the ethos of a technological university.

Colleges of advanced technology in Great Britain became technological universities following the recommendation of the Robbins Report of the Committee on Higher Education in 1963. This paper discusses developments in communication studies in the context of general education for students entering commerce and industry. Central to the discussion is a description of the integration of courses in spoken and written communication at the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology. Specialists in technical communication in industry were consulted with the result that an existing degree course was adapted to meet the industrial challenge.