Integrating Service Learning and Technical Communication: Benefits and Challenges
http://www.attw.org/TCQarticles/8.4/8-4Matthews.pdf
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  peer-reviewed

Matthews, Catherine and Beverly B. Zimmerman
Technical Communication Quarterly
1999

Abstract:

Our ethnographic study of a service-learning class revealed some students benefited in developing civic values, improving academic learning, and accepting responsibility for their own education. Other students struggled to see the connection between technical communication and service learning, felt frustrated with nonacademic writing, and experienced team conflict. We must redefine both technical communication and service learning, help students make the transition to the workplace, and educate community organizations about the role of technical communicators.