An Approach to Developing Communicative Competence in Scientific and Technical Communicators

Abstract

The management of information has become one of the central competencies needed in a technological society. The development of systems for the storage, retrieval, editing, packaging, dessemination, and utilization of scientific and technical information is especially needed. Just as crucial, however, is the necessity to train individuals who can assume information management and “linkage” roles. The scientific and technical communicator is one such individual. This paper attempts to explicate the concept of technical communication competence and demonstrate the potential utility of its operational counterpart in the training of students in scientific and technical communication. The potential benefits of implementing a technical communication competence testing program in scientific and technical communication curricula are explored, both for students and for educators and professionals.