IX. Questions to ConsiderNow that you have completed this module, consider the following questions and be prepared to discuss them in a conference:

Hello class,

Businesses, non-profits, volunteer associations — organizations of all types require many types of reports. Module 5 identifies reports as informational or analytical documents meant to shed light on issues that are critical to the continuation and optimal functioning of the organization. Whether sales reports, proposals that are internal (from the marketing department) or external (a proposal requesting funding from a government agency), or an analysis of the newest competitor on the scene, reports must provide excellent and timely information, clear focus, and document the sources of their information or expert opinion. Given their vital nature, knowing how to write a report is a valuable business communication skill to have.The Module explores the following major topics:I. The Role of Reports in OrganizationsII. Planning and Preparing a ReportIII. Organizing Reports and ProposalsIV. Conducting ResearchV. Integration of Source MaterialsVI. Resource Documentation, andVII. Visual Aid DesignEach student should discuss two of these topics in the following way: 1) Explain the topic and tell why it is important, and 2) Provide an example showing why the topic is important. 

Visual Aid Design is important to businesses because it gives the potential customer or business partner the visual proof that a product can be successful. After giving a powerful presentation to a group of potential business partners images can really drive home the pitch. I think it is important to be sure that you don’t use too many visual aids that you don’t give enough information to sell your pitch.

Conducting Research is important for any topic. It doesn’t matter if it is for a business or for a simple argument. You have to conduct research to adequately convey your point of view. This is step one of doing any type of business. It all starts with researching the necessary information and tools to help you to succeed.   Answer all three “Questions to Consider” given in the Module: 1) How can your written reports influence your professional success? 

If a written report is written in understandable English and can be documented well then this is a good thing for you and your career. It can dramatically help you to advance through your professional career if you can write well. I believe that those who can write with competency and explain it in the professional work environment are very valuable employees. I think that people in our day and age are losing the ability to write professionally and when an employer comes across someone who has the competency to write professionally they snatch them up and promote them quickly to keep them in the company. 2) Why are unsolicited proposals more challenging to write than solicited proposals?

Unsolicited proposals are more challenging to write because they are being made about an opinion that usually hasn’t been formally stated. If a proposal is solicited chances are there was a reason behind why the proposal must be written so it is easier to make your points. When a proposal is unsolicited it becomes harder to make a valid argument because those who you are proposing your writing to may not know what the topic is regarding beforehand.3) If your report includes only factual information, is it objective? Why or why not?

A report that contains only factual information generally will be more objective then a report that contains opinions. However, if a report is being submitted regarding a topic and only facts are being used it may be harder to understand without a bit of opinion in there as well. There is also the possibility that someone may submit a report that has only half of the facts in it. Just because a report contains facts doesn’t necessarily mean this is the best report.

One of the biggest takeaways from chapter 4 is that transfer learning requires opportunities for students to practice, practice, and practice!

The research and literature that we have been reading throughout this course asserts that all teachers play a role in all students’ literacy development.  Teaching content across the curriculum (aka interdisciplinary or cross content projects) provides opportunities for practice and promotes transfer of learning.   As content experts, we take our knowledge about the content and how to read and apply it and teach our students how to do the same thing as they “dive into” your respective contents. In video 4.1 “Teaching for Transfer,” a group of teachers discuss how they use teaching across the curriculum, or interdisciplinary projects, to promote transfer of learning.

After reading chapter 4 in Visible Learning for Literacy and watching Video 4. 1 (link found below), develop an
outline of an interdisciplinary project in which you pair up with at least two other teachers from different contents to help your students develop an understanding of a particular concept in your class and then deepen and transfer that learning through two other classes.

  Your outline should include:

• Topic
• Brief description of the goal of your interdisciplinary project– what are you specifically aiming for students to learn and transfer by completing this project across several subjects?
• Your content standard(s) that address the topic (Georgia Standards of Excellence)
• An instructional activity students will complete in your class to develop their understanding of the topic
• Identify a second content area that you could work with to help students transfer learning
• Which content standard(s) will the teacher use? (Georgia Standards of Excellence—content and/or
• Literacy standards)
• What instructional activity will students complete in this class to develop and deepen their understanding of the topic?
• Identify a third content area that you could work with to help students transfer learning
• Which content standard(s) will the teacher use? (Georgia Standards of Excellence—content and/or Literacy standards)
• What instructional activity will students complete in this class to develop and deepen their understanding of the topic?

If you teach more than one subject (example—ELA and SS or math and science), you will only need to consult one other teacher to complete the outline. Connections and CTAE teachers– you are not limited to collaborating with just core content teachers; if you can creatively work with another connection or CTAE teacher to promote transfer of learning, then you will only need to work with one core content teacher.

http://players.brightcove.net/268012963001/default_default/index.html?videoId=4798734805001

http://www.businessballs.com/kolblearningstyles.htm this is the link where the Kolb learning inventory-self assessment on paper was found March 2011Bastable, S.B. (2008). Nurse As Educator: Principles of Teaching and Learning for Nursing Practice. 3rd ed., Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett. Read chapter 4OR ORAny article of your choice that aIDresses this topic. There are numerous research studies on this topic.