WRT533: Scientific and Technical Writing
8: Informal Communication
given 4/27 | due 4/29
FEEDBACK
The hallmark of any quality organization is the degree to which it seeks feedback on its products and services. In that spirit, I ask for one final reflection on the things we have done this semester. Your response to the following will help me improve this course, beginning next semester.
We have engaged in a series of activities this semester, including several lectures, discussions, and in-class exercises. These included formal writing assignments. I ask for your thoughts on the following exercises:
- Journal Article
- Strategic Plan
- Style and Readability Exercises (e.g., “homework machine” analysis of faulty writing, and several in-class exercises)
- Job Application (Resume and Letter)
- Popular Press
We also discussed the evolution of the scientific article since the late 1600's, and the benefits and costs of "scientific english," which differs from normal speech and writing. We also discussed grants (outcome oriented) and the general status of writing as it is taught in universities. Some of you also submitted current thesis/dissertation writing for review.
From the point of view of improving your ability to write documents of a scientific or technical nature, and considering both content (including structures) and style and readability, please choose at least one exercise or discussion which was most valuable to you and write me a brief reflection on why that was so. (Comments on a second exercise or topic will be greatly appreciated but are not required.) Similarly, which exercise was of least value, and briefly why? Finally, if you are aware of any significant elements of scientific or technical writing which we did not cover but which you feel would have been of benefit to you, briefly state what you felt was missing and I will attempt to address this in the future.
I will summarize your comments and also draw direct quotations for use in a report to three writing colleagues, and possibly for use in a formal paper on teaching techniques. Therefore, the extent to which you are able to provide specific insights on the merits or limitations of these exercises will determine in part the usefulness of your feedback.