Experiments with writing in the engineering classroom

Despite some successful experiments and a great deal of interest in the 1980s, the use of Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) methods in the engineering disciplines has waned of late. Indeed, many younger professors may not be familiar with the ideas or methods of WAC. The authors have developed and adapted a variety of writing/communication based curriculum elements which the authors have tested in sophomore level engineering courses over the past four years at West Virginia University, USA. They had two objectives in this work: to introduce students to new techniques for study and understanding of engineering subjects; and to provide students with opportunities to use their "writing muscles" as a small step toward improving their writing skills. This paper provides an overview of their methods, and some insight concerning their effectiveness and acceptance by the students.