Robert Irish

Using problem finding to integrate communication and design for student learning in engineering

This tutorial provides communication instructors with a set of design/communication activities that encourage critical thinking and argument. The design activities aim at the early end of the design process—the problem finding phase—where the ideas are unsure and in need of careful justification and judgment. This selection provides exigence for developing argument and evaluation skills. The design activities include developing a 20-minute design charrette and generating an RFP. The activities are evaluated as learning activities using William Perrys scheme of intellectual development and David Kolbs learning styles inventory to demonstrate how an instructor can enhance student learning by opening the problem finding stage of design.

The uses of Toulmin: the value of an explicit model of argument for academic and working engineers

This paper presents a case study of an engineering writer learning to use Toulmin logic as a strategy for writing. Before the case, Toulmin logic is explained in terms of two concepts: force and criteria, and elements of argument. Then, a pedagogical approach and several classroom exercises are explained to illustrate the ways in which Toulmin logic has been introduced to the students. Finally, the engineers writing is analyzed through four iterations. His revisions reveal that he has absorbed the ideas of tightening the warranting of claims to though unconsciously. These results suggest that Toulmins model is useful not only for helping writers to improve their organization, but also for helping them shape the ideas themselves.