Resource

Report

Author: ATU Galway

What is it?

Students produce an account of an experience, activity or experiment which may include a description, summary of findings, observations, and conclusions and recommendations. This encourages students to think analytically and complete extensive research for information. A report usually has a prescribed format in keeping with disciplinary norms.

Advantages & Challenges

Advantages

Challenges

Advantages

Challenges

Tips for Use

Provide students with clear guidelines outlining the purpose of the report, the specific topic or research question to address, the expected format and structure, referencing styles, and word count.
Break down the report writing process into manageable stages and provide feedback at some of the stages to give student an idea of if they are on the right track.
Consider incorporating peer review or collaboration. Students could collaborate on reports, or you could arrange a peer review process to critique the peer’s work.

Resources

University College Dublin (UCD): Report(s) (ucd.ie)
Deakin University: Report writing | Students (deakin.edu.au)
Bird, F and Yucel, R. (2015). Feedback codes and action plans: building the capacity of first-year students to apply feedback to a scientific report. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 40 (4) 508-527.