Writing challenges for graduate students in engineering and technology

Abstract

Graduate education for most students is the move to deeper exploration of knowledge through personal involvement, primarily through research and writing. By thesis or directed project, many graduate programs in engineering and technology incorporate substantial written researchbased projects into the master's level curriculum to prepare graduates for professional careers or for further study at the doctoral level. Students in the engineering and technology fields face several challenges in moving to written projects of substantial length and complexity, whether through more limited experience with written projects or a personal dislike of the act of writing. The authors, who have experience in teaching research and writing to master's level students, touch on several issues for further research and explore techniques for helping students develop as writers. Several common issues are addressed, along with some practical techniques for graduate level educators in technology and engineering. © 2011 American Society for Engineering Education.