For me as a student, the Writing for Engineers course has opened my eyes to the importance of communication in the engineering industry. I didn’t give writing skills much thought before this class, but now I see how important they are. One of the most significant elements of increasing my information literacy was learning how to do research using CCNY’s online library. I was able to locate reliable information that supported my work by using academic sources. I also learned how important it is to uphold academic integrity after learning how to reference these sources using APA style.
Another element of the class that stands out is working on the group proposal. Bringing different thoughts together and coming up with a clear plan was difficult, but it taught me how important communication and teamwork are to solving problems. As we worked to improve each proposal ideas, this project also put a significant focus on drafting and revising. Working with others forced me to think about different viewpoints and improve my writing to make it clearer and convincing.
Writing lab reports and technical descriptions taught me a lot as well. For these assignments, I had to combine data from a number of sources, such as research papers, textbooks, and my personal observations. While it was more difficult than I expected, it taught me how to explain my work to those who might not have the technical knowledge I do. I was able to adjust my language and structure for impact and clarity by keeping an eye on my audience and purpose (A & P). I concentrated on exact and clear documentation for lab reports because it is important in communicating results in academic and professional contexts.
All in all, this course changed my perspective on engineering writing. I’ve developed a practice of drafting and editing my work, whether i am working alone or with others, which improves my communication skills. I learned how to connect ideas and effectively communicate them by reading from our textbook and other research sources. I see writing as a powerful tool that allows me to express my thoughts effectively, stand out, and work with others.