COURSE DESCRIPTION
Many people are defeated by the attitude that writing is an awesome task. These people do not trust themselves with the language. They go to the files to see what has been done in the past. To overcome their insecurity, they try to write to impress. They hunt for big words to sound like an authority on the subject. They pad their reports to indicate thoroughness. That is not the path to confident, effective writing.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs)
On completion of this course, participants are expected to be able to:
- Learn the value of good written communications.
- Develop paragraphs that introduce, connect, develop, and conclude some part of an idea.
- Prepare reports and proposals that inform, persuade, and provide information.
- Learn how to proofread your work so you are confident it is clear, concise, complete, and correct.
- Provide an opportunity to apply these skills in real work applications.
Course Outline:
Introduction and Course Overview
You will spend the first part of the session getting to know participants and discussing what will take place during the course. Students will also have an opportunity to identify their personal learning objectives.
Becoming a Good Writer
To begin, participants will learn ways to become a good writer. Participants will also learn the four C’s of good writing.
The Rules of Writing
Next, participants will learn the nine rules of report writing.
The Readability Index
This session will teach participants how to use the Gunning Fog Index.
Paragraphs
Next, participants will learn how to create topic sentences for paragraphs.
Emphasis
During this session, participants will explore ways to create emphasis.
Unity and Coherence
This session will teach participants how to create unity in their report.
Active and Passive Voice
Next, participants will look at the differences between the active and passive voice.
The Stages of Report Writing
The bulk of the second session will be spent exploring the four stages of report writing: investigation, planning, writing, and revising.
Formal Reports
During this session, participants will look at the additional components of a formal report.
How to Use Headings
This session will provide a brief introduction to laying out a report.
Charts and Graphs
Next, participants will learn the right way to add charts and graphs to their report.
Writing Proposals
During this session, participants will learn how writing a proposal is different from writing a report.
The Finishing Touches
This session will look at finishing touches for a report, including steps in the persuasion process, how to design your message, and how to deal with tough questions.
Practical Application
To wrap up the course, participants will peer edit each others’ work.
Course Wrap-Up
At the end of the course, participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and fill out an action plan.
Course Textbook:
Guide to Report Writing (Guide to Business Communication Series)
Michael Netzley, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota
Craig Snow, School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University
Link: https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-education/program/Netzley-Guide-to-Report-Writing-Guide-to-Business-Communication-Series/PGM282523.html
Feedback Given to Participants in Response to Assessed Work
- Individual written feedback on coursework
- Feedback discussed as part of a tutorial
- Individual feedback on request
- Model answers
Developmental Feedback Generated Through Teaching Activities
- Feedback is given at presentations and during tutorial sessions
- Dialogue between participants and staff in tutorials and lectures
GRADING AND SCORING
The course grade will be based on a final project presented by the participant and graded by the instructor. Participants much achieve a passing grade of 70% or more to be awarded a certificate of completion of the course.
