Implementing real-world business writing situations and service learning into business communication courses are not new concepts. Business communication students work through a service-learning project with nonprofit organizations to create communication documents to improve the nonprofit's communication with the public. Writing for social…

While experts agree the U.S. recession is over, many employees feel that they are still being asked to do more work for less pay. This concept of less compensation for employees is not surprising, but no one has addressed how volunteers in organizations might also be affected by the economy. Are volunteers also expected to do more work for…

As Facebook becomes increasingly more popular as a communication tool for businesses and organizations, it is important that our students learn to transfer personal Facebook skills to professional settings. This article focuses on the lessons learned by two students who used Facebook as part of a social media internship, as well as what the author…

Business writing instructors work diligently at raising the level of student writing performance in business communication classes. Some students, however, need additional motivation to apply writing concepts and perform to their highest level. Typically, business students are confronted with hypothetical writing situations, such as claim letters,…

The corporate annual report is the chief document that is used to disseminate information about the financial performance and other issues pertaining to an organization. The report is typically divided into two sections: the front half with long narratives and photographs describing achievements, issues, and future goals; the second half…

Service learning is both a pedagogy and a philosophy; the central idea is to provide students with a setting for meaningful learning through a specific, curriculum-based community service activity. It is a "win-win" situation for everyone because students get to apply their knowledge and skills in "the real world," a nonprofit…

When a disaster strikes, the affected population relies upon the swift response and aid rendered by relief organizations such as the California-based Direct Relief International. Since 1948, Direct Relief's mission has been to provide essential material resources to locally run health programs in areas affected by natural disasters, wars, and…

Nonprofit organizations, such as social service agencies, charities, and hospitals, plan and prepare communications that are vital to their missions. Although not corporations, these organizations produce news releases, newsletters, and annual reports that are similar to those created in the corporate sector. In this research project for a course…

When the author first added service learning to her business communication classes, she had three key goals in mind. First of all, she wanted students to take more ownership of their work. She wanted their projects and finished products to be more about fulfilling a business need and less about fulfilling the requirements of an artificial…

Discusses the use of case studies to encourage students to examine their own thinking processes. Concludes that the benefit of focusing on metacognitive skills is the increase in students' awareness. Suggests texts and their conventions are no longer rules and formulas, but tools writers use and options they can take; Metacognition allows writers…

Describes a project for professional writing classes that teaches effective persuasive writing, as teams of students research local nonprofit or campus service organizations, design projects to address their groups' main needs, and write solicitation letters for donations or volunteers. Discusses potential problems and how students benefit. (SR)

Makes the case for the claim that internships in nonprofits often can provide many of the same transitional benefits as internships in industry plus provides practical guidance for professors who oversee internships for business and professional communication students. (SC)

Conversational styles can sometimes cause conflicts on problem-solving writing teams. In self-defense, students often resort to blaming and shaming around conversational styles, which can just worsen unproductive group behaviors, limiting idea exchanges and deflecting attention from substantive issues and onto what is often labeled "personality…