Communication learning outcomes from software engineering professionals: A basis for teaching communication in the engineering curriculum

Abstract

It is widely acknowledged that employers tend to be dissatisfied with the communication skills of new engineering graduates, yet research into employers' expectations has not provided a sufficient foundation for incorporating workplace communication skills into the engineering curriculum. This study seeks to bridge that communication gap. Through focus groups and interviews with software engineers and managers, we have identified over 35 communication skills that comprise communication in the software engineering workplace, including a broad range of formal, interpersonal, professional, and team communication skills. These skills are presented in the form of outcomes that can be used by faculty not only to build a communication-rich program but also to enhance classroom instruction. Although the focus of this study is software engineering, most of the outcomes are applicable to other engineering programs.