Job Discussion Forums

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

As the references that Asia traveller gives in the main refer to HTML, and the earliest example given is

AsiaTraveller · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:57 pm Post subject:

Because he couldn't admit you knew something that he didn't know?

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

I don't think so> Perhaps he felt I was being patronizing explaining the term, but it seemed clear that Kimo didn't, which is why I did it..

Perhaps he'll post back to explain?

kimo · Joined: 16 Feb 2003 Posts: 668

Without a doubt I have accomplished what I attempted to do, albeit, not exactly as I had planned. Kitegirl, from my posts and your critiques of them, will have learned something useful from her query beyond the generalities of teach them to write reports, etc.

Maybe not explicitly enough for some of you poor readers though, I have already admitted that I made a mistake. See my comments on the Subject Matter Expert above. The passage was probably not a good example for that which I wanted to bring to Kitegirl's attention. I apologize to her.

Next, where did I say conform rigidly to any rule? Please read what I wrote. See also what I quickly posted as references to back up my assertions. They are a good starting point for Kitegirl to dig into technical writing and make her writing classes, should she have them, more useful for her students. She needed a basic starting point. Her students will (clearly in the future) need some guidelines. As intelligent, professional engineers they will be able to decide when they are applicable and not.

As for the point on Technical English as a whole, AsiaTraveller and a few others addressed the salient points and I did not feel the need to add further comments.

waxwing · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 719 Location: China

AsiaTraveller · Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2004 6:53 am Post subject:

AsiaTraveller · Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2004 7:08 am Post subject:

kitegirl,

I know we've communicated via PM. But I just wanted to urge you to get in touch with the European chapters of the Society for Technical Communication. The Netherlands chapter appears to be a bit dormant, but there is an active chapter in Belgium:

www.stc-europe.org/belgium

There might even be some students who are members, and they can tell you the state of technical communication education in local universities (as will your teaching colleagues).

Many additional resources are available at the main U.S. site:

www.stc.org

Be aware, however, that all STC chapters (and the organization as a whole) are primarily devoted to the field of computer software and hardware documentation. Nevertheless, there are significant numbers of medical writers, science writers, and instructional designers among the membership. The specific needs of engineers are only infrequently addressed. But you know this already!

Kitegirl · Joined: 02 Jan 2004 Posts: 101 Location: Lugdunum Batavorum

Wow. Great discussion.
I know I'm a good teacher, but more with respect to motivating students, picking up on their needs and creating a good learning atmosphere. Technically, compared to you all, I'm still using training wheels, but I hope to get there.
I really appreciate the effort you've all put into this thread - I've not really visited the Cafe since June, it's nice to be back in the community.
Cheers, K

Susan K · Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Posts: 19 Location: (East Germany)

Must get on with what I should be doing (it involved looking up who Coulomb was - enough to make us all humble!) but I can't resist sharing the big grin that spread over my face as I read this - oh so public - mini soap opera!

Also, I have to make a more stuffy observation. Was it stereotyping or prior knowledge that caused a writer to affix the title "Herr" to Ludwig, after he/she had expressed him/herself in the way that provoked the equally unprofessional response? I think it behoves those of us who aspire to professionalism to keep an eye on ourselves. Forums like this are indeed public and even though I have to admit to the base instincts that got me enthralled rather as one might be in a theatre, I think on the whole I'd have preferred to have been spared the knockabout and left with the feeling that the teaching of English is in the hands of the thoughtful who will guard against national or gender stereotyping.

P.S. All the best with the new job to the starter of the thread! Biographies of great inventors or discoverers can be a great way to get into a technical English conversation, if you're still looking for tips!

AsiaTraveller · Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2004 5:22 am Post subject:

Prior knowledge