Engineers are the professionals who put their shoulders to the wheel for nation-building. They execute scientific and mathematical theories to create and design structures. They administer their work in reports, manuals, maps, charts, and graphs to communicate their messages to the audience. Engineers need to be adept at presenting their complex technical findings clearly to the public. They need communication skills to work in a team, express their expertise, and collaborate with people from different walks of life.
They must have good communication skills to prosecute a project and bring out successful results. They often have to deal with clients in a way they grasp technical ideas. In specific situations, engineers have to make presentations at seminars, conferences, workshops, or public forums. Communication courses help them cope with these situations and develop a versatile set of skills to deliver their technical expertise and ensure successful outcomes.
Curricula and mindset
Many colleges and universities offer communication courses as discrete chapters aiming to impart some marginal skills in technical writing. They allocate some tiny credit hours in the name of “business writing,” “technical writing” or “science writing”. Tribhuvan University prescribes some technical chapters for the Bachelor of Engineering program. The basic implication embedded in such an approach, as the subject committee argues, is that they have a lot to teach from their core area and have no space for other subjects. The chapters offered for non-technical subjects emphasize the structures of a small number of generic types of reports, proposals, or mechanics of academic writing with some superficial exposure. The executive body is not entertained with literature that makes students imaginative and contemplative.
There are multiple perspectives of engineers to view communication courses. Some of them recognize the importance of effective communication in conveying technical ideas and working collaboratively. Others undervalue such courses and point out on focusing more on technical skills. They do not regard non-technical courses have anything distinct to contribute to infrastructure and development sectors. Those who take communication courses positively also understand them too narrowly. Forgetting the fact that courses in Humanities also have their distinct perspective on social development, harmony, people’s health, diplomacy, construction, and entire life, they realize its communicative value only.
What students say about English communication course
While teaching communication courses for engineers for several years, I have taken a survey of student voices regarding whether this course is contributing to their academic skills, and all of them have answered me positively. They have shared their previous writing experiences and present writing skill development. There are also obvious signs of how they have improved their communication and delivery skills with the help of linguistic laboratories and teacher guidance. Some students have claimed that the course has amazingly helped them connect with the mechanics of scholarly writing. It is the reason why the attendance ratio in classroom teaching is always fascinating.
English courses in engineering on the global trend
Globalization has placed heightened attention on the use of English as a medium of expression in academia (Barret & Leu). English medium is used in various disciplines around the world for indexed journal publication (Curry & Lillis). All University Engineering students whether they study English as a first or second language, take an Engineering Communication Course. Columbia University in the US for example, offers an English Communication Course for engineering students to improve their professional communication, workplace presentation, and academic writing. Similarly, Offenburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany also offers an English degree program in Communication Engineering and Technology. Almost all universities in India provide English Communication courses for engineering students.
There is a long list of universities that offer English communication courses for engineering students. Some universities also ask students for extra grade sheets that depict their standard in English language communication for enrollment. Though literature does not align directly with engineering skills, it offers valuable benefits necessary for engineers. While engineering students primarily focus on core technical expertise, many universities have realized that incorporating literature in the curriculum enhances communication skills, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. A balance between technical and Humanities education that accommodates literature in engineering courses can contribute to a well-rounded engineer. Engineers often work in interdisciplinary environments. Effective communication skills are vital in conveying technical ideas. Courses from the Humanities can help bridge the gap.
Need to revise courses
Educational institutions must update and assess courses regularly based on the need for time and student feedback. Students expect the authorities to ensure the course content aligns with their present needs and expectations, ultimately leading to their academic satisfaction. They argue that simply moving a core course from one slot in the curriculum to another without revising its content will not lead to academic excellence. The students thriving on a real learning environment are disappointed with the fact that traditional methods of teaching and the courses designed a decade ago cannot make them competitive in the tough global market. They believe that the passive traditional lectures cannot initiate active learning now. They propose a shift in teaching methods, incorporating student-led activities and fostering a more collaborative learning environment through group work.
In Nepal, the Institute of Engineering has a very good reputation. It is an educational hub and an attraction to students pursuing their careers in engineering. It has produced skilled scientists and engineers who have been contributing at the national and international level. To improve it still further in the future, the program must prioritize staying updated with emerging technologies and maintaining interdisciplinary collaboration for an inclusive and innovative learning environment. Additionally, upholding academic integrity is essential for all educational institutions. This necessitates complete detachment from political influences. Engineering institutions, in particular, must be vigilant against undue political interference.
(Dr. Madhav Prasad Dahal is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, TU)
