Assessment Methods

Portfolio Development»Guidelines by Curriculum

ENGL 334 Technical Writing
Portfolio Reviewer: Matt Oliver
Contact: moliver@odu.edu

The following guidelines provide information from a typical course syllabus for ENGL 334 and detailed requirements of what you should include in the portfolio. Students who have been approved to complete ENGL 334 via portfolio should contact their faculty assessor to review the portfolio expectations.

Course Description and Objectives:

This course provides students with knowledge of and practice in various types of technical communication, including the identification of key principles of technical communication and the development of standard technical documents for both the specialist and the non-specialist.

Objectives

• To further develop writing skills and practices introduced in basic English Composition classes by reviewing and practicing expository and persuasive writing.
• To gain exposure to and practice in the most frequently used types of technical and scientific communication.
• To identify and refine writing strategies and styles appropriate to various subjects and audiences.
• To master basic expository principles such as audience appropriateness, effective development and support, and effective organization.
• To produce collaboratively designed and authored documents.

Current Text:
Technical Communication, Lannon, 9th edition

Portfolio Guidelines

Students should discuss the specific contents of their portfolios with their assessors to identify materials that meet the following requirements. Regardless of the specific documents you select, you should:

• Identify and describe the kinds of writing you do in your workplace, and the writing environment of your workplace, including a description of the organization and its internal and external audiences.
• Describe and reflect upon the kinds of feedback you receive from your audiences.
• Describe and reflect upon your writing processes, including researching, brainstorming, outlining, organizing, drafting, reviewing, revising, and editing.
• Describe and reflect upon how technical communication and workplace writing are collaborative processes. Include a discussion of how you work with others during your writing process.
  • Through various writing samples, demonstrate your understanding of the fundamental principles of technical writing.
  • Include 15 to 20 pages of sample writings from at least four of the document types listed below.
  • Provide a description of the purpose of and audience for each sample.
  • Provide at least one sample that demonstrates your ability to write persuasively.
  • Provide at least one sample that demonstrates your ability to work collaboratively.
  • Provide samples that represent writing for a variety of audiences and purposes.
• Samples may include, but are not limited to:
  • Formal research reports
  • Feasibility reports
  • Progress, status or periodic activity reports
  • Recommendation reports
  • Justification reports
  • Meeting minutes
  • Standard technical instructions or procedures
  • User manuals
  • Planning proposals
  • Research proposals
  • Sales proposals
  • Claim letters
  • Expanded technical definitions
  • Product descriptions and specifications
  • Process descriptions and specifications
  • Professional web sites
  • Advertising, publicity, or marketing materials
  • Professional resumes and cover letters
• If acceptable to the portfolio assessor, the portfolio may be submitted electronically.