Introduction to Technical Literature by Writing Review Papers

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Introduction to Technical Literatureby Writing
Review Papers

• Dan Cordon
• Steven Beyerlein

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Class ContextME 433 Combustion Engine Systems

• Technical Elective coursesfeature specialized
  knowledge
• Design is a central functionin engineering
  practice
• Research efforts often superficial in design
  projects
• Tech. Writing courses stress documenting ideas
  for othersbut lack disciplinary focus

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Inter-related Methodologies

• Research
• Gap/credibility in current knowledge
• Review what others know and current theory
• Formulate research question/hypothesis
• Design a research project (Research Proposal)
• Submit for publication
• Integrate feedback in to re-write

• Design
• Problem Definition
• Client need
• Needs analysis
• Information gathering
• Problem clarification
• Create Design Specs
• Conceptual Design
• Preliminary Design
• Detailed Design
• Finalized Design

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Goal of Literature Review Assignments

• Expand information source beyond textbook
• Students experience locating and reading
  technical literature used by experts in field
• Strengthen understanding of research process
• Practice writing an archival publication

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Course Implementation

• Class 1 Literature review paper introduced in
  syllabus as semester deliverable
• Class 17 Rationale for assignment discussed.
  Sample topics given.
• Class 19 HW question to identify topic area
• Interest in area, personal background/knowledge,
  motivating research questions, and preliminary
  reference list
• Class 23 5 minute Instructor/Student meetings
  to approve topic and scope

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Course Implementation

• Class 25 HW question to refocus topic,
  identify five relevant references, and ask for
  assistance in acquiring resources
• Class 29 HW question requesting one page of
  detailed notes for each of five references
• Class 30 Suggested outline for literature
  review paper and Q/A about SAE template
• Class 32 First submission of 4 page paper
• Class 35 Review form returned to authors
• Class 40 Final submission of 4 page paper

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Student Work Topic Area Selection

• Water injection
• Emissions
• Performance
• Hardware
• Modeling
• Thermal Management
• Catalytic converters
• Thermostat

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Student Work Focused Topic

• Thermal Management
• Transient effects of engine temperature on
  efficiency and emissions

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Student Work Abstract

• Abstract from Jeremy B. Paper

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Student Work Final Manuscript

• Page 2 of Jeremy B.s Paper

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Student Feedback

• Likes
• More depth on specific topics of interest not
  covered in class
• Richness of adopting a research mindset
• Opportunity for self-directed learning
• Methodology supports higher quality work in
  capstone design projects

• Dislikes
• Much more time-intensive than usual homework
  assignment
• Special effort required to physically obtain
  supporting resources
• Demands depth over breadth of coverage
• Technical literature less readable than textbooks

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Instructor Insights

• Intervene _at_ critical points effective to boost
  morale and elevate critical thinking
• Design teachable moments distributed throughout
  course rather than concentrated in 2-3 classes
• Separate assessment evaluation of student work
• Distribute scoring rubric at front end
• Ask for student feedback throughout class, share
  results, and respond to good ideas
• Use intermediate deadlines emphasis key process
  elements and to improve final work products