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Subject:Re: Tech writing class From:"Laura A Mac Lemale" <lmaclemale -at- paychex -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 22 May 2001 08:57:41 -0400
Hello,
In the midst of the discussion on tech writing class, Chris <cah_91 -at- yahoo -dot- com> wrote:
"Also, one thing that wasn't mentioned is that you have
to be able to pull information from a busy SME. How do
you teach this? Beats me. But it's a point that has to
come across." <rest snipped to focus on important point>
Great point. That's why critical thinking skills are so important for this type of course. Students need to learn how to research information, how to develop questions that procure the most pertinent information, and how to sift through the details for the real
need-to-know information.
A semester-long research project may not be suitable for an introductory TW course, but a fairly extensive research exercise may be beneficial. Biased by my own experience <of course>, one of the most important things to learn is how to get the information, where to find
it, and how to structure it for end users.
Theory and the basics always have their place in an introductory course, but students need to know how to find the information on their own and not rely solely on SMEs.
Have a great day!
Laura
Laura MacLemale
Technical Writer
Paychex, Inc.
Rochester, NY USA
lmaclemale -at- paychex -dot- com
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this message represent those of the sender and not of Paychex, Inc.
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