Writing in STEM is never entirely original. Communications in STEM research typically comprise a foundation of established ideas and practices and a measure of fresh contributions. Exclusive attention to foundations produces a textbook, which is not research per se. At the other extreme, new ideas without reference to a base are typically only for private use, as in a researcher’s undecipherable notes to themselves. Between these extremes are degrees of appropriateness, effectiveness, error, and creativity. In this workshop, we define and differentiate these four concepts with examples from research writing in STEM. The concepts are further explained in relation not only to STEM knowledge, the what of STEM writing, but also to the how: how ideas are organized and how writers position themselves. Participants are invited to bring and discuss examples of STEM writing that may be variously appropriate, effective, erroneous, and/or creative.

Facilitator: Dr. Alfredo Ferreira
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 28, 2022: 10:00am – 12:00pm PT
Location: IKBLC, Level 3, Dodson Room and on Zoom. Registrants receive the Zoom link 1 day prior to the workshop.
The Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication does not record workshops or share workshop slides.
Questions about this event? Please contact the Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication: cwsc.info@ubc.ca.