Using Service-Learning to Teach Business and Technical Writing

Posted by on September 19, 2011

Announcing Clemson University – Collaborations in Service-Learning Webcast
Tuesday, September 27, 2011, 5:00pm – 6:00pm

Using Service-Learning to Teach Business and Technical Writing:
Clemson University’s Client-Based Learning Program

Ashley Cowden: Senior Lecturer, English and Client-Based Program Coordinator
Michael LeMahieu: Assistant Professor, English and Director of the Pearce Studio for Communications
Phil Randall: Lecturer, English, Client-Based Program Faculty

Clemson University’s Client-Based Program is an award- winning service-learning program that matches business and technical writing classes with local clients who need communication deliverables. Students in the classes work in teams to create the deliverables needed by the clients, which include non-profit agencies, public schools, corporations, and university departments.

Since 2003, more than 3,686 students in more than 194 sections of business and technical writing have produced more than 850 deliverables, ranging from white papers and research reports to fact sheets and brochures, from poster presentations and instruction manuals to web sites, multimedia presentations, and radio, TV, and print advertisements. More than 30 writing faculty and 142 clients from the campus and community have also been involved.

The program is designed to help students learn writing skills that will transfer to the workplace. Students are exposed to the complexities of working with actual audiences and actual needs, and they learn to solve problems through writing. The projects, and the enthusiastic involvement of the clients, demonstrate to students the value placed on writing in the workplace.

This webcast will introduce participants to the client-based writing program and to the learning outcomes for students in the program. It will also highlight some of the projects students have worked on with a local K-12 school, Adult Education Center, and private corporation.

To view videos, the powerpoint for the presentation, and receive further webcast information, go to http://www.clemson.edu/public/servicealliance/faculty_fellows_program/web_cast_one.html