Developing technical writing programs for fire safety professionals: a model for sustainable industry-university partnerships
ISSN: 1366-5626
Article publication date: 9 February 2023
Issue publication date: 7 March 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to offer guidelines and recommendations for launching and running sustainable programs involving partnerships between industries and universities. Teaching technical writing and communication to fire and emergency services personnel is a task that requires forethought and intricate planning. The Advanced Technical Writing Certificate provided jointly by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and George Mason University balances the unique workplace needs of fire service professionals while working to ensure a high level of transfer and information retention.
Design/methodology/approach
This study will describe how the authors have developed and run a successful course series. The methods used to structure the courses are explained in detail, alongside the pedagogical theories that shaped information delivery. This paper offers a detailed guide to program development and implementation.
Findings
Providing a uniquely collaborative online environment and designing each module with the purpose of knowledge transfer have created an effective method by which advanced principles can be taught to working professionals in a relatively short period of time. By collaborating with subject matter experts and focusing on the utility of the material, the authors were able to create a highly effective course that served the needs of first responders.
Practical implications
Using the steps detailed in the article, programs like this could be replicated, allowing greater access to workplace learners of all kinds and a pathway to sustainable programs like these in universities. The research also details the importance of an adaptive course that continues to grow and improve.
Originality/value
By modeling the course and making use of experts, students are capable of learning complex topics with ease in a short amount of time.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the following individuals at George Mason University; this work would not have been possible without their financial, administrative, and design support: Ann Ardis, Kate Bryan, Kimberly Dight, Barbara Gomperts, Sarah Hott, and Corrinne Jordan.
External research funding: No extramural funding has been sought or awarded for this project. This work reported on here was supported by an internal initial investment from G MU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS). Now in its 5th offering, the program is now self-sustaining.
Citation
Fernandez, L., Gandy, E.K., Lawrence, H.Y., Bassi, P., Piercy, E., Sobotka, D., Austin, M. and Lattanzi Shutika, D. (2023), "Developing technical writing programs for fire safety professionals: a model for sustainable industry-university partnerships", Journal of Workplace Learning, Vol. 35 No. 2, pp. 164-175. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-03-2022-0039
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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