Visuospatial Thinking in the Professional Writing Classroom

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Lauer ◽  
Christopher A. Sanchez
Keyword(s):  
Professional Writing ◽  
Writing Classroom

Exploring Transformative Usability in the Business and Professional Writing Classroom

2018 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Disability Studies ◽  
Professional Communication ◽  
Professional Writing ◽  
Writing Classroom ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
Legal Requirements ◽  
Final Draft ◽  
General Business ◽  
Unit Plan

This article addresses the importance of teaching transformative usability and accessibility concepts through the lens of disability studies in general business and professional communication courses. It argues that when students learn to analyze audiences, include diverse users, and foresee accessibility before the final draft because they practice user-centered design, their documents become more accessible for all users and situations. It presents a four-unit course plan that integrates disability studies and usability, including legal requirements. The unit plan advocates considering disability and diverse users and uses at the beginning of the design process.

Setting the Stage for Professionalism

2011 ◽  
pp. 147-160
Author(s):  
Lynn Hanson ◽  
Meredith A. Love
Keyword(s):  
Role Playing ◽  
Disruptive Innovation ◽  
Professional Writing ◽  
Writing Classroom ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Advanced Students ◽  
Writing Students ◽  
Professional Self ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Survey Responses

This chapter discusses the problem of professional writing students transitioning from an academic environment to a work environment. Even the best students struggle in their upper-level courses as instructors expect a higher level of professionalism from their more advanced students. The authors argue that the conflict between the “student” identity and the “professional” identity should be made explicit in the writing classroom. Students can learn to develop and perform new professional roles by employing a theatrical approach, a disruptive innovation that adopts Constantin Stanislavsky’s system to the professional writing classroom. Although the approach begins as role-playing, the emphasis is on becoming the professional self. Specific assignments, projects, and student survey responses are discussed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document