Reportwriting Course

An interactive course that focuses on practical skills. Taught by a leading Psychologist, University Lecturer & Author

Last updated 2022-01-10 | 4.4

- How to write a professional technical report
- Drafting
- structure
- language
- layout
- design and production
- Grammar
- readability and writing in plain English

What you'll learn

How to write a professional technical report
Drafting
structure
language
layout
design and production
Grammar
readability and writing in plain English

* Requirements

* none
* but suitable for graduates and students

Description

Many professionals have difficulty in expressing ideas on paper which means that useful concepts may never be fully understood or valued. Effective report writing, the exchange of information, views, opinions, and decisions between people at all levels, internally and externally, make a vital contribution to organisational success.

This 17 session course aims to present a comprehensive overview of the essential elements of effective technical report writing and help delegates develop the practical skills required to write successfully, for an internal or external audience. It will teach the fundamental skills for technical report writing.

There are many downloadable resources provided including book chapters, quizzes, forms, activities, links and PowerPoint slides.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Appreciate the importance of technical writing skills necessary in a professional context

2. Understand the stages in the preparation process of technical reports

3. Demonstrate the ability to pitch technical reports at the level appropriate to the intended audience/reader

4. Identify the essential features of reports, including format, linguistic and grammatical accuracy along with the choice and application of graphics

5. Apply the above principles to the production of effective professional, technical reports

Who this course is for:

  • This course is suitable for anyone who writes technical reports
  • You could be a new graduate, a student or a professional who needs to refresh your skills
  • If you have struggled to prepare a professional technical report that demonstrates your professionalism, this is the course for you.

Course content

7 sections • 22 lectures

Session 1: Introduction to the course Preview 05:23

This is the introduction to the course

Session 2: An introduction to writing technical reports Preview 13:04

This is the first session of the course. It provides definitions and explains why we write reports. It also provides you with an example of poor technical writing and presents ten rules for good report writing.

A quick test of your writing skills Preview 04:17

A brief test of your existing writing skills. Download the PDF file to complete this session.

Session 3: Planning your report Preview 06:01

In this video, we look at how to start planning your report. We also look at the importance of audience (your reader) and there is a practical activity using Handout 3 and your own sample report.

Session 4: Formatting and structuring a technical report Preview 07:54

In this session, we will be looking at the important things you need to do before you start writing. This included timing, key messages and selecting data and materials.

Session 5: The sections of your technical report Preview 12:06

In this section, we look at the sections needed in a "typical" technical report.

Section 2 Quiz

A brief quiz to test what you have learnt in this section of the course

Session 6: The use of drafts Preview 09:01

When you complete this session you will understand the importance of drafting when writing your technical report

Session 7: Illustrations and graphics Preview 06:13

When you complete this session you will understand how to use graphics and illustrations effectively

Session 8: The final edit (Part 1) Preview 05:21

In the last session for Section Four, you will learn how to complete your final edit

Session 9: Writing in plain English Preview 06:54

When you complete this session you will understand how to write in plain English

Session 10: Jargon and final layout issues Preview 09:41

By completing this session you will learn about the use of jargon and acronyms.  We will also explore design issues such as the use of fonts, and why you should not use "big words" when writing.

Session 11: Spelling, punctuation, and Grammar Preview 13:32

When you complete this session you will understand the key issues about spelling, punctuation, and grammar,

Section 4 Quiz

A brief quiz to test what you have learnt in this section of the course

Session 12: Proofreading methods Preview 09:34

In this session, you will learn how to proofread your document.

Session 13: Summaries Preview 05:43

By completing this session you will know the difference between a "Summary" and an "Executive Summary"

Activity on Summaries Preview 04:17

A brief introduction to the activity on summaries, using your own report(s)

Session 14: Printed presentation Preview 05:48

By completing this session you will learn how to prepare your printed report so that it is read.

Session 15: Verbal presentation Preview 06:03

In this session, you will learn how to verbally present your finished report.

Section 6 Quiz

A brief quiz to test what you have learnt in this section of the course

Session 16: Course summary Preview 03:01

This is the summary session for the course.

Session 17: Course review, ongoing learning and your final activity Preview 05:00

The final session for this course.