Integrating Engineering and Communication: A Study of Capstone Design Courses

This paper presents results from a study investigating the use of problem-based learning (PBL) as a framework for integrating communication into engineering courses. The results of a two-year study of capstone design courses suggest that PBL provides the opportunity to develop communication assignments that enable students to understand not only particular document formats, but also the role texts play in the workplace for both writers and readers. Surveys and interview data demonstrate that students learn to use texts as tools to advance engineering work and communicate key project information to managers. The framework thus effectively helps students treat communication activities as a critical element of professional engineering practice