Introducing Engineering Students to Standards and Regulatory Research and Writing

Abstract

Introduction: This teaching case provides readers with a fully articulated teaching case that prepares students in engineering to communicate with and about standards. About the case: We use the ASTM standards database to train students to read and engage with research in regulatory documents. Situating the case: By situating this standards research within an emergent case study, students are introduced to additional constraints for writing as an engineer, including budgetary constraints, slide decks, and summary documents. Methods: We assess the case study through student self-report data and provide readers with recommendations for applying this case study in their own programs and classrooms. Results/discussion: Students who engaged in the standards project reported that they were able to connect their assigned work to their futures as engineers. They also reported an increase in their understanding of how to read and research using standards. Conclusion: Standards and other forms of regulatory writing are an important part of daily literacy practices for working engineers; introducing them as a part of required engineering communication courses can augment our current practices in STEM communication.