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A Survey of Alternative Modes of Technical Communication in Engineering Laboratory Courses

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Conference

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Baltimore , Maryland

Publication Date

June 25, 2023

Start Date

June 25, 2023

End Date

June 28, 2023

Conference Session

Teaching Tools: Communication (NEE)

Tagged Division

New Engineering Educators Division (NEE)

Page Count

10

DOI

10.18260/1-2--42511

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/42511

Download Count

221

Paper Authors

biography

Maryam Mirabolghasemi Mississippi State University

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Maryam Mirabolghasemi is an Assistant Professor in the Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering at Mississippi State University. She received her Ph.D. degree in Petroleum Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin in 2017. She is an active member of ASEE, SPE, SAGE, and AGU.

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Abstract

Today’s engineers need diverse technical communication skills that are not limited to preparing detailed and long reports. However, classic engineering curricula lack courses that focus on these skills. Engineering laboratory courses offer a unique opportunity to fill this gap. In this paper, we review cases reported in science and engineering education literature that cover laboratory assignments other than traditional lab reports. We discuss the use of modified reports, oral presentation, poster presentations, and video reports as alternatives to conventional lab reports.

Results from multiple studies indicate that, in addition to gaining technical communication skills, preparing alternative forms of lab assignments helps students to improve their teamworking skills. Students may also benefit from immediate feedback from the instructor and their peers in case of oral and poster presentations. Other advantages include a lower grading workload for lab instructors, natural evolution of class discussions, and the potential for students to interact with diverse external audiences.

To ensure a successful learning experience, engineering educators recommend the early incorporation of alternative modes of technical communication into engineering curricula. Additionally, research shows that evaluation rubrics must be carefully designed and provided to the students fairly in advance.

Mirabolghasemi, M. (2023, June), A Survey of Alternative Modes of Technical Communication in Engineering Laboratory Courses Paper presented at 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore , Maryland. 10.18260/1-2--42511

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