A Handbook for Analytical Writing: Keys to Strategic Thinking (Synthesis Lectures on Professionalism and Career Advancement for Scientists and Engineers)

This handbook accelerates the development of analytical writing skills for high school students, students in higher education, and working professionals in a broad range of careers. This handbook builds on the idea that writing clarifies thought, and that through analytical writing comes improved insight and understanding for making decisions about innovation necessary for socioeconomic development. This short handbook is a simple, comprehensive guide that shows differences between descriptive writing and analytical writing, and how students and teachers work together during the process of discovery-based learning. This handbook provides nuts and bolts ideas for team projects, organizing writing, the process of writing, constructing tables, presenting figures, documenting reference lists, avoiding the barriers to clear writing, and outlines the importance of ethical issues and bias for writers. Finally, there are ideas for evaluating writing, and examples of classroom exercises for students and teachers.

Dr. William E. Winner is a leader in developing university programs in the areas of energy, environment, and sustainability. He earned B.A, M.A.T., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees, and held academic positions, at Virginia Tech and Oregon State University prior to his appointment to North Carolina State University. Dr. Winner also worked in research administration at the National Science Foundation. At NC State University, Dr. Winner is Director of the Environmental Sciences Academic Program, chairs the University Energy Council, and is Co-Chair of the Campus Environmental Sustainability Team. He serves on advisory boards for EnvironMentors, the Institute for Sustainable Development, and the Klamath Basin Rangeland Trust. He represents NC State University in the National Council for Science and the Environment, and other national organizations including the Council of Environmental Deans and Directors, and the Council for Energy Research and Education Leaders. Dr. Winner has published and reviewed numerous articles for peer reviewed journals and co-edited two books. He reviews proposals for competitive grants and scholarships and editorial work for two journals.