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Getting It Write the First Time: Incorporating On-the-Fly Writing into Coursework. David Kelley Electrical Engineering Dept. Faculty Learning Series College of Engineering Bucknell University March 28, 2008. “Sofit” and “Facia”.
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Getting It Write the First Time:Incorporating On-the-Fly Writing into Coursework David Kelley Electrical Engineering Dept. Faculty Learning Series College of Engineering Bucknell University March 28, 2008
“Sofit” and “Facia”
From: F. Caimi, “iMAT – Revolutionary Antenna Technology from SkyCross,” Antenna Systems & Technology, March/April 2008, pp. 14-16.
The Curmudgeon Asks… • Does anyone employ editors anymore? • Do editors still know how to edit? • Do grammar, organization, punctuation, clarity, and style still matter? “As long as information is transmitted efficiently, who cares if it isn’t pretty?”
Revise?...No • E-mail • Lab notebooks • Weekly progress reports • Computer code documentation • “Surprise” updates • Quick-response opportunities
Why Not Revise? • Not enough time • No second pair of eyes • Time • Expertise • Not cost-effective • Cost not accounted for
Discussion #1 There’s no time to revise the “little” things, and everyone knows it. Can I get away with a few mistakes here or there?
Exercises in On-The-Fly Writing • Lab notebooks • Project progress reports • Journals • Two-minute paper • Commenting computer code and/or homework
Example: Lab Notebooks • Focus is on clarity over grammar/spelling • Simulates industry practice • All entries made during lab period • Notebooks collected at end of lab • No corrections possible after lab • Downside: Less time for lab exercise itself
Notebook Grading (0-4 pts) 0 few or no notebook entries 1 minimal data; most key elements (such as dates, figures, references) missing/poorly documented; a competent engineer could not repeat results using notebook as his/her only guide 2 fair; significant quantities of data and/or many key elements missing/poorly documented; results would be repeatable but with considerable difficulty 3 good; close adherence to guidelines, but one or two key elements or data missing/poorly documented; results would be repeatable with minor difficulty 4 very close adherence to guidelines; no key elements or data missing; proper documentation; good discussion of implications; truly professional work
Does It Work? ELEC 350 – Fall 2005
Keys to Success? • Good feedback • Lots of comments • Prompt grading • Address common mistakes • List of specific errors • Large penalties
Discussion #2 What other “on-the-fly” exercises can you think of or have you tried?
Other Ideas • Collect examples of bad writing: • Ad copy • Resumes • Professional literature • Solicit opinions on importance of writing from managers, CEOs, etc. in the “real world.” • Collect anecdotes: • Ill-chosen words • Consequences