AY24 HW0288 Course Guide for Students 150724

February 2010

NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITYLocation: SingaporeRevised Edition: 15-Jul-24Course Code: HW0288Course Title: Engineering CommunicationLanguage and Communication Centre

Course Description

HW0288 Engineering Communication is a comprehensive 2-credit course offered over one semester aimed at enhancing both academic and professional communication skills for engineering students. This course is structured to improve communication effectiveness in various engineering contexts, focusing significantly on skills pertinent to the Final Year Project (FYP) and workplace interactions. The successful completion of HW0188 Effective Communication is a prerequisite for enrollment in this course, ensuring that students have foundational skills necessary for advanced communication.

Course Authors:Roger Winder, Shu Yun Li, Benedict Lin, Jean Lee, Esther Wansing Soo, Jerrold Li Kang Quek, Clare Sioe Hong Liem, Illyas Lim Effandi, Kingsley Bolton, Joe MacKinnon, Carmel Heah, Hwee Hoon Lee, Boon Tien Lim.

Course Content Overview

The course encompasses a range of topics critical for effective communication in engineering fields:

1. Overview of FYP and Workplace Communication: Introduction to communication styles and requirements for FYP and workplace contexts.

2. FYP Reports: Introduction: Crafting compelling introductions that clearly outline the purpose and relevance of the research.

3. Reviewing and Citing Literature: Techniques for conducting thorough literature reviews and properly citing sources to enhance the credibility of the report.

4. FYP Reports: Materials and Methods: Detailed guidance on documenting methodologies and materials used in research projects with clarity.

5. FYP Reports: Results and Discussion: Effective strategies for presenting results and engaging in critical analysis of the findings.

6. FYP Reports: Conclusion and Abstract: Importance of synthesizing research findings and articulating them succinctly in conclusions and abstracts.

7. Preparing and Delivering FYP Presentations: Skills for developing engaging presentations and delivering them effectively to an audience.

8. Workplace Communication: Writing Emails: Emphasis on clarity, coherence, and maintaining a professional tone in email correspondence.

9. Workplace Communication: Meetings, Conversations, and Conflict Management: Techniques for managing workplace dynamics through effective conversation and conflict resolution strategies.

Tutorials: This course includes in-class presentations and practical sessions that allow students to apply learned concepts in real-time scenarios, fostering active learning and peer feedback.

Course Schedule

The course schedule outlines specific weeks dedicated to familiarization with topics, FYP instructions, and assigned readings, alongside timelines for assignments. Key milestones include:

• Submission deadlines for emails, presentations, and final project submissions.

• Dedicated tutorial weeks focused on in-class presentations and comprehensive course review for ongoing assessment and improvement.

Course Assessment

Assessment criteria are based on continuous evaluation rather than final exams, structured as follows:

• Written Assignments (55%):

  • Assignment 1: Writing an introduction (500 words)

  • Assignment 2: Oral presentation (5 minutes)

  • Assignment 3: Writing emails (300 words)

• Class Participation (15%): Engagement in discussions, peer reviews, and feedback sessions.

• The final evaluation totals 100%, reflecting students' understanding and application of communication strategies throughout the course.

Effective Communication Principles

The primary purpose of this course is to improve written and oral communication skills pertinent to both academic and professional contexts. Specific objectives include:

• Enhancing technical writing and research report writing proficiency.

• Developing effective workplace communication skills, including managing meetings and writing professional emails.

• Employing active listening as a foundation for successful communication.

Teaching Strategies: The course employs varied teaching strategies such as active listening exercises, student-led presentations, and collaborative group discussions to provide a rich learning experience.

Conclusion and Abstract Writing

Conclusion: Emphasizes the significance of synthesizing research findings and articulating their implications clearly and effectively.Abstract: Trains students to create succinct overviews summarizing research objectives and outcomes, pivotal for academic and professional presentations.

Email Writing Techniques

Focuses on:

• Clarity: Ensuring messages are easy to understand.

• Coherence: Structuring content logically.

• Professional Tone: Maintaining formality appropriate for work contexts.

Students learn to apply a three-stage process for effective email communication: planning, writing, and reviewing. Adaptation of messages is taught based on context (routine, negative, persuasive).

Active Listening and Conversations

Underlines the importance of active listening in workplace interactions and presents techniques for management of conversations and resolution of conflicts, especially in engineering environments.Active listening fosters better collaboration, reduces misunderstandings, and enhances the overall effectiveness of communication in teams.