Devising a Study Guide for Implementation in a Technical Report Writing Correspondence Course

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to identify the special needs of students in a Technical Report Writing correspondence course and to create a study guide that will teach those students how to write effective reports. Research into literature related to report writing indicates that students need the following skills for on-the-job writing: the ability to communicate clearly and concisely; an understanding of how to write for readers with different levels of knowledge, including technical jargon; the ability to organize and connect ideas in logical sequence; knowledge of research techniques, visual aids, and report formats; and a sound background in grammar, usage, spelling, and other mechanical aspects of writing. Based on the review of literature and on personal experience in teaching report writing, I have written a study guide that explains these skills, provides examples, and offers the student self-tests and assignments geared to providing experience in report writing.