Course Description

Technical Writing for the NASA Engineer (APPEL-TW)

 

Audience

This course is designed for NASA's new and experienced engineers.

 

Goal

This one-day workshop provides intensive instruction in technical writing to assist participants in improving technical communication skills, enabling them to effectively communicate technical/project information to different audiences.

 

Learning Methods

Lectures and discussions will present key theories, concepts, and proven practices related to technical writing. Participants will take part in individual and smallgroup learning exercises to help develop skills and competencies. Participants will also put this knowledge to work by writing technical/project reports such as technical assessments, technical evaluations, and work-in-progress status reports.

 

Specific Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify and explain the purpose of different types of technical reports.
• Recognize specific components and formats of technical reports.
• Analyze the audience.
• Organize and structure a technical report.
• Write effective headings, factual information/detail, and technical content.
• Create clear figures/tables.
• Recognize and avoid the common pitfalls of writing technical reports.

Competencies and Technical Areas Addressed

• Communication and Decision Making
• Stakeholder Management