Develop and engage in the collaborative and social aspects of writing processes.

I cannot emphasize this Course Learning Outcome enough.
In the real world, people make things happen by working together. Projects are completed when different people with very specialized knowledge work on the different subassemblies that when put together create a complete system.

As this is a “Writing For Engineers” course, take an airplane for example. An airplane is a complex system of many different systems that when combined together allow a very heavy piece of machinery and its cargo to fly.

It has a piston engine. It has hydraulics for control systems. It has mechanical linkages. It also has structures that use the principles of fluid dynamics to create the desired aerodynamic effect.

All these different complex systems are never designed by one person. There is a team (sometimes an entire company) devoted to the engine, with different teams and individuals that specify in specific parts of the engine. There is a different group of people for the hydraulics, and so on.

As engineers, the social and collaborative aspects of the writing process are something we need to get used to. We received our “baptism by fire” this semester with many projects that forced us to really learn the strengths and weaknesses of our group mates.

The peak of my group training experience was in the Engineering Proposal Project. Below is a sample of our communication records.

The project was crucial with regards to mastering the collaborative aspect of writing because there was simply too much to get done without group work.

I was in charge of the actual construction (tactical level) project as I have prior construction experience. I was also put in charge of estimating costs for that reason.

My teammate Youseph (@Habibi Snoop) was in charge of the larger construction process (the strategic compared to the tactical).

@Chggun was in charge of convincing the Government of California to enact our vision for preventing California Fires. And @Shotty was responsible for determining the wants and needs of our target audience. This put him in close working conditions with @Chggun, as it is @Chggun who really could make those most of that information.

The social and collaborate aspects of the writing process is a important one. One must be willing to compromise and trust others in order for it to work. I have always been the type of person to take charge on a project and ensure things are done my way.

But this year, partially through experiences gained in the my preparations in becoming a Marine Corps aviator, I have learned that I need to compromise in order for the team to succeed in its mission. This doesn’t mean not voicing your opinion, but choosing the battles that are worth fighting. Carefully choose which disagreements which you will hold your ground.

If a student is to walk away from this CLO with one thing, make it this: You will not reach your full potential if you do not learn to work with others, regardless of how talented you are, or how hard you work.