Frans has demonstrated that he is an expert in restricted languages and in particular ASD Simplified Technical English (STE). He has given successful presentations on the subject at S1000D User Forums that were very well received. He is an expert in developing systems that check conformance to restricted English standards.

The introduction was a good and concise way to familiarize yourself with STE basics. I’ve a background in plain language, so for example the rule on noun clusters makes perfect sense. I’m all about simplification, so substituting verbs like “eliminate” for verbs like “remove” or “stop” will be my new quest. The STE exercises were helpful in getting to grasp with STE during the training workshop. I'd very likely recommend this course to anyone planning to introduce STE as it’s got a great practical angle.

The course was quite challenging for me intellectually, in the way that there were a lot of rules to take in in order to be able to apply them to the text given in the assignement. To spot the errors in the text and choose the correct rule for the problem wasn't always easy, but I thought the assignment itself, i.e. the practical application of the theory, was an effective way to evaluate the learning curve of the student. To cut a long story short, yes, I think the content and the assessment are appropriate. After what I have learned in the course, it seems appropriate and relevant for technical communicators to know STE at a professional level!

Best STE rules for my learning are: - Use simple verb tenses - Put commands first in warnings and cautions - Use active voice - Do not use present participles or gerund.

I attended a two-day ASD-STE100 training workshop by Shumin. She presented the materials clearly and succinctly with sound and logical written examples. There was a good balance of worksheet exercises and individual rewriting tasks. We explored certain topics and asked critical questions related to standard technical writing practices which were well discussed during this workshop. Shumin seems like a kind and well-educated trainer who has an answer for every question. Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value

I attended Frans's training course in Simplified Technical English in June 2010 and I am very glad I did. Apart from being an engaging speaker and managing to enunciate 57 and a half writing rules in three hours without boring you for a second, Frans is a brilliant technically-minded linguist - a rare find. The ease with which he can turn convoluted (or downright bad) material into crystal-clear technical writing, at first sight and without hesitation, didn't cease to amaze me throughout the training sessions. Frans is personable, flexible, an extremely knowledgeable scholar and an excellent teacher. The two days spent in training with him definitely enriched my skill set. I can wholeheartedly recommend him, as an efficient trainer, enthralling presenter, and leading documentation expert. Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative

I know Frans from our involvement in a collaboration between companies to develop and market controlled language checking technology. Frans showed great talent and efficiency as a technology developer and communicator of technical ideas. He is fluent in multiple human and computer languages and his understanding of the principles of controlled language writing and clear communication enable him to provide great value to his customers.

I love how you can apply the concept of STE to many industries whether or not you choose to work as a technical writer. Shumin was very clear in her instructions and it's too bad I could never catch up on time to review her entire courses and pose questions "in real time". The rules concerning the technical verbs and names + the categories for the different exceptions makes STE a very flexible standard that responds to the needs of specific users.

The Simplified Technical English course content and requirements provided by Shumin Chen were an absolute good fit with the TCLoc Master's program. A technical communicator has to know about the existing specifications for technical documentation. Furthermore, this course helps the students to acquire new skills in order to enhance the accuracy and clarity of contents.

Working with Shumin is a great pleasure because of her professional approach. Her knowledge of STE is excellent and with her pragmatic approach she helps companies to improve. Our trainees rated Shumin all with excellent. If you consider to train your staff in STE, I highly recommend Shumin.