Writing to Learn Engineering: Identifying Effective Techniques for the Integration of Written Communication Into Engineering Classes and Curricula
Proficiency in technical writing is a highly desirable attribute for engineering graduates, and improvement of communication skills among undergraduate engineering students can help enhance the competitiveness of U.S. technical talent in an increasingly global engineering market. This project responds to the need for improved communication skills in engineering by directly addressing challenges associated with incorporating writing-based instructional techniques in traditional technical classes. More specifically, the goals of this project are to develop, validate, and disseminate high-impact, scalable techniques for integrating writing in existing engineering courses and curricula. The project addressed common instructor-level challenges that often preclude the inclusion of writing in engineering coursework. This project is primarily focused on required, large-lecture engineering courses where writing typically does not occur, and where ample opportunities exist to train faculty to implement simple, scalable writing activities, exercises, and related assessments. This study involves systematic investigation of how such activities can potentially enhance student learning of both writing and course-specific technical skills. The project also surveyed faculty and staff at multiple institutions to evaluate current attitudes toward writing in engineering, while identifying the most scalable and sustainable writing interventions from the standpoint of instructors and institutions.
Collaborators
Brent Jesiek, Josh Boyd, Purdue University; Becca Essig, Purdue University Fort Wayne; Natasha Trellinger Buswell, University of California-Irvine.
Funding
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) Training: Scoping and Development
In this project, we are developing training materials to help operators of municipal storm sewer systems (MS4) reach compliance with IDEM’s new MS4 permit. This permit requires additional training for agency staff, contractors, and engineers. Training materials that we are developing include handouts, videos, and assessments that are readily accessible by MS4 permit agencies.
Collaborators
Christopher B. Burke Engineering
Development of Hydrokinetic and Wave Power Technologies for Coastal Applications
Purdue tow and wave basin
This project focuses on the development of renewable, water-driven power generation technologies. We are developing and testing both hydrokinetic and wave power devices for riverine and coastal power generation, leveraging Purdue’s 50m long tow and wave basin (shown here).
Funding
Purdue Research Foundation
Collaborators
Jun Chen, Purdue University
