Assessment of proofreading and editing with technical diploma students at Western Wisconsin Technical College - Mauston

Abstract

Proofreading and editing are a major component of the Office Assistant program. The practices of proofreading and editing are an integral part of primary skills employers expect from their employees. The ability to proofread and edit a document are critical components in reading and writing skills that employers look for in hiring people or in choosing an employee for promotion. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of how proofreading and editing help students perceive themselves as better writers as they progress through the process of proofreading, editing, journal writing, error logs and peer editing. Nine students, who entered the Technical Diploma Office Assistant program at Western Wisconsin Technical College - Mauston campus, in August, 1999 and graduated in May 2000, comprised the samples. A proofreading and editing pretest was administered to the entering Technical Diploma class in September of 1999 - prior to the beginning of program instruction. Proofreading and editing assignments were given in September 1999, October 1999 and November 1999. A posttest was given in November of 1999. The researcher at Western Wisconsin Technical College - Mauston campus, administered the pretest, assignments and posttest.