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Access Type
WSU Access
Date of Award
January 2025
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Department
English
First Advisor
Adrienne Jankens
Abstract
This dissertation details the results of a mixed-methods study into student attitudes towards and emotions experienced during collaboration in technical communication courses at a large, urban research university. Survey results indicate that students are neutrally to positively disposed to the practice of collaboration. Student reflections further demonstrate that although students often feel nervous at the outset of collaborative projects, they rely on generative emotions like hope to motivate them during their process. This dissertation advocates that reflective writing occupy a larger place within technical communication classrooms in order to help students develop the flexibility necessary to succeed in workplace writing, which frequently involves collaboration. It provides an example of how emotional intelligence can be used as a framework for this purpose.
Recommended Citation
Williams, Grace Mary, "Managing Projects, Managing Emotions: Understanding Student Attitudes Towards Collaboration In Technical Communication Courses" (2025). Wayne State University Dissertations. 4189.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/oa_dissertations/4189