This module addresses communications skills, and requires active use of writing, speaking, and other forms of self-expression. The activities provide an opportunity for information gathering, synthesis, and analysis in solving problems and in critical thinking.
Students should have the following skills prior to using this module:
The instructor should identify local resources that can provide these students with the skills they need to complete this module. Some examples of these resources include:
Identification of students lacking these skills and providing them with learning opportunities to acquire these skills is a critical necessity. This module will not provide this instruction. It will only provide the opportunity for students to utilize these resources in a meaningful, relevant manner.
The instructor should explain that the content for this module resides in ANGEL and ask students to read the content, and complete any relevant activities prior to any in-class instruction. Provide students with the following information:
Each module contains activities designed to help students learn and practice the concepts presented. Reflective questions help students recall what they already know about the topic as well as to work through new ideas and concepts. Worksheets and tip sheets supplement the instruction and give students an opportunity for additional practice. Quizzes provide yet another means for students to practice as well as to check to be sure they have read and understand the materials.
The modules all have a standard layout. When you import a module into your ANGEL group or course a folder with the module's name will be added under the "Lessons" tab (course) or the "Content" tab (group). This folder can be moved and placed within another folder if desired.
To start the module, students should open the first file in the list inside each module's folder. This file has the word lesson as part of its name and contains the links to other parts of the lesson.
Open the first file in the module folder to begin the lesson.
This "master" file contains descriptions of the purpose, goals, and objectives, as well as instructions for completing the module, references to materials used in designing and developing the content of the module, a summary of the important points in the module, and a survey for students to complete after finishing the module. (Survey results are available to editors in the group or course through the on-line grade report tool.)
The rest of the files in each module's folder are accessed through links embedded within the content. As the student reads the content and completes the activities, other files from the folder will be used. Some students may become confused if they try to complete the module by working their way down the list and viewing each file without reading the accompanying materials. Instructors may want to make a point of announcing in class and/or putting directions in the syllabus about how to complete each module.
Note: The module will not work correctly if the student does not begin with the "master" file and work through the activities using the embedded links.
Scores for quizzes are recorded in ANGEL and can be accessed through the on-line grade report tool. Responses to reflective questions using the "My Notes" tool are accessible only to the person who types them - they are not available to the group or course editors. If you, as the instructor, want to see the answers to the reflective quesitons, you will need to have the students use a word processor to record their answers instead of the "My Notes" tool.
In addition to the quizzes and activities already written into each module, owners/editors may want to add discussion (message) boards, chat rooms, surveys, links, etc. These are all tools that are available within ANGEL. Instructors also have the option of editing and adding or deleting quiz questions and/or quizzes.
As the instructor, you will need to choose which assignments students are to complete, determine if and how credit will be given for the assignments, and establish due dates and submission methods for the assignments. Including this information in your course syllabus will make it readily available to students.
Following are the assignments embedded in the Introduction to Written Reports module:
Activity 1: Quiz
Activity 2: Reflective question - what is your topic?
Activity 3: Reflective question - who is your audience
Activity 4: Activity - generate ideas for your report
Activity 5: Reflective question - how will you keep track of your sources?
Activity 6: Quiz
Activity 7: Activity - write your report
Activity 8: Activity - revise your report
Handout - rubric to evaluate your work
Activity 9: Activity - check references
If instructors are planning on using several iStudy modules, this module should be used after any data collection and data analysis modules.
Optional Lecture
The instructor may want to cover the information from the Student Manual into a traditional lecture format. This information is summarized in the Key Points section listed below.
Group Activity
Place the learners into small (3-5 person) groups. Assign each group one of the following topics:
Note that these are the main headings in the Student Manual. Each group must use the Student Manual as the source of information to gather data for putting together a short presentation on their topic. Each group must present their group's topic to the other groups.
Individual Activity
Assign each student the task of preparing and delivering a short written report. Students should not only complete the report, but also list how they conceptualized and completed each step of the report writing process (as detailed in the Student Manual).
Types of Reports
Steps in the Writing Process
Identify a Report Topic
Identifying something to write about is the first step in writing a report. The best way to begin searching for a topic is to conduct some initial research.
Understand Your AudienceConcurrent with identifying a topic for your report, you should begin to learn more about the audience that will read your report.
Focus and Refine Your TopicJust about any general topic that you identify will be too broad to write about in a comprehensive manner, so you'll need to narrow your topic. There are a number of techniques that writers use to help them focus and refine their topics.
Create a Working BibliographyA working bibliography is an organized set of bibliographic information about the resources that you find during your research that might be helpful as you write your report.
Evaluate and Synthesize ResourcesOnce you've identified resources, you can begin to evaluate if they will be useful to you.
Taking Notes on What You ReadOnce you've evaluated the various resources on your topic, you can begin to read them take notes on what you read. There are three basic ways to take notes when researching a topic.
Organize Your Ideas and Create StructureOnce you've taken notes on what you've read, you can begin to organize your ideas and create a structure for your report. Your report should have three main parts to it -- the introduction, body and conclusion -- each serving an important function.
Within the report there are a variety of ways that you can structure your ideas.
Write the First DraftYour goal in writing the first draft is to get your ideas onto paper.
Revise and Edit the ReportThe goal during this step is to improve the manner in which you are communicating your ideas.
Cite Your ReferencesFailure to cite references can be construed as plagiarism. Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's ideas in your paper without giving them credit for them. Plagiarism is a serious offense, which can result in expulsion.
There are several different guidelines for citing references:
- MLA Style
- APA Style
- CBE Style
- Chicago style
Information about the different types of documentation styles is available at the library and on the Internet.
Assessment criteria are as follows (Instructors supply the percentage weights):
Where |
Domain |
Activities |
% |
iStudy module |
Knowledge |
By listing and giving examples, the learner can identify: 1) four different types of written reports, 2) three main parts of a report |
|
iStudy module |
Application |
By showing written examples, the learner demonstrates knowledge of 1) audience understanding, 2) developing and refining a topic, 3) developing a draft, 4) revision and editing, and 5) proper citing of references. |
|
100 |