School of Health &
Community Services
Record Keeping and Report Writing
2014-2015
Program
Year
Semester
Social Service Worker
1
1
Child and Youth Worker
1
1
Course code:
WRIT 1502
Con. Ed. code:
COMM 2502, WRIT 1552
Course hours:
28
GPA weighting:
2
Prerequisite:
N/A
Corequisite:
N/A
Prepared by:
Lori Roblin, Amanda Cappon, Lorraine Closs
Laptop course: yes
no
Authorized by (Dean):
Date: June 16, 2014
Professor contact information:
NAME
EMAIL
PHONE
OFFICE LOCATION
Lori Roblin
lori.roblin@durhamcollege.ca
905-721-2000 x2968
SW205
Lorraine Closs
lorraine.closs@durhamcollege.ca
905-721-2000 x3667
D116
Amanda Cappon
amanda.cappon@durhamcollege.ca
905-721-2000 x3680
D116
Durham College Course Outline –WRIT1502 – 2014-2015
Page 1 of 10
Course Description:
This course is designed particularly for students who work or will be working in the human services field.
The focus will be on effective written and electronic communication skills. Students will be introduced to
record keeping and report writing which will include documentation related to the human services field.
Students will be encouraged to develop an approach to writing which is based on the writer’s purpose,
audience and the context of the communication. The importance of professional electronic
communication will be introduced to the student.
Subject Eligibility for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition
(PLAR)
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a process a student can use to gain college
credit(s) for learning and skills acquired through previous life and work experiences. Candidates who
successfully meet the course learning outcomes of a specific course may be granted credit based on the
successful assessment of their prior learning. The type of assessment method (s) used will be determined
by subject matter experts. Grades received for the PLAR challenge will be included in the calculation of a
student’s grade point average.
Candidate eligibility is outlined in http://www.durhamcollege.ca/assets/Section~specific/Continuing~Education/documents/plar.pdf
Yes
No
Using case studies, the PLAR candidate will create a portfolio of records/reports and electronic
communications that are used in the Human Services Field.
Durham College Course Outline –WRIT1502 – 2014-2015
Page 2 of 10
Course Learning Outcomes
Course Specific Outcomes
Essential Employability Outcomes
Students receiving a credit for this course will have
demonstrated their ability to:
Students receiving a credit for this course will have
demonstrated their ability to:
1. Explain the importance and purpose of record
keeping and report writing in the human
services field in accordance with best practice
knowledge.
5. Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in
the written, spoken, and visual form that fulfills
the purpose and meets the needs of the
audience.
2. Write reports relevant to the social services
field that are clear, concise and in keeping with
accurate spelling and grammatical rules.
6. Respond to written, spoken, or visual
messages in a manner that ensures effective
communication.
3. Apply relevant computer software to the
completion of reports used in a variety of
human service agencies.
7. Interact with others in groups or teams in ways
that contribute to effective working relationships
and the achievement of goals.
4. Develop marketing tools that meet the needs of
social service organizations using current
computer technology.
8. Locate, select, organize, and document
information using appropriate technology and
information systems.
9. Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant
information from a variety of sources.
10. Manage the use of time and other resources to
complete projects.
11. Take responsibility for one’s own actions,
decisions, and consequences.
Course Learning Outcomes contribute to the achievement of Program Learning Outcomes.
For a complete list of Vocational/Program learning outcomes and Essential Employability Skills
please refer to the current program guide.
Durham College Course Outline –WRIT1502 – 2014-2015
Page 3 of 10
Sequence of Instruction
Evidence of Learning
Week
1
2
3
Intended Learning
Est.
Class
Hours
Course Introduction
Review course learning outcomes and their
relevance to the program learning outcomes.
Expectations of the Learning Environment
Course Outline Review
Assign “I am” poem
Course Outlines
Computer Lab
Learn to use DC connect and DC mail
Work on reflection paper
DC Connect https://durhamcollege.desire2learn.com/
1
Report Writing Basics
Audience and purpose of writing
Write objectively using facts
Active voice
Chapter 1
1
Computer Lab
Student academic learning services (SALS) visitintroduction to writing support services
Complete worksheet related to SALS
SALS visit; introduce APA workshop online
1
Report Writing Basics continued
List and describe the stages of writing
Common spelling and grammar errors in report
writing
Use of electronic forms for reports
Chapter 2 and 4
1
Computer Lab
Discover APA format and the campus library
4
Resources and References
1
Learning
Outcomes
References
1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 12
Intended Learning Activities
Icebreaker for Introductions
Lecture
Development of class learning
environment contract
Use of computer lab
1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12
Lecture
Audience and Purpose exercise on
handout
SALS visit during computer lab
1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12
Lecture
Grammar and Spelling Rules
exercise on handout
Library visit
1
APA Practice Exercise
Library visit during computer lab
In-House Reports
Examine types of in-house reports and their
respective purpose
List the ethical and legal implications of in-house
reports
Integrate the report writing basics into in-house
reports
Chapter 5; pages 32-33 of chapter 3
Computer Lab
Test review
Assign shift log
(p 63, activity 5.2)
1
Handouts – variety of reports
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10,
11, 12
Lecture
Watch YouTube Video and discuss
In Lab Case example and Case Note
Activity
1
http://socrative.com/
Durham College Course Outline –WRIT1502 – 2014-2015
Page 4 of 10
Assessment
In-Class Activities
(ongoing)
Evaluation
and
Weighting
10%
Sequence of Instruction
Evidence of Learning
Week
5
Intended Learning
Test One
including weeks 1-4
Resources and References
Test One
Computer Lab
In-House Reports continued
Work on shift log
6
7
8
Est.
Class
Hours
1
Chapter 6; pages 34 – 39 of Chapter 3
Computer Lab
Write an intake interview
Intake Interview sample
1
Multi-Audience Reports Continued
Examine the types of multi-audience reports and
their respective purpose
Integrate report writing basics into multi-audience
reports
Examine use of multi-audience reports during case
discussions, court proceedings, clinical meetings
Portfolio to Date Due
Chapter 6
1
Computer Lab
Discuss presentation (weeks 13/14)
Assign presentation groups
Write a case note
Handout assignment description and rubric
1
Case Example: You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=824H2Wh5Kg&feature=em-share_video_user
Chapter 7
1
Computer Lab
Write an incident report
Work on presentation with group
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10,
11, 12
1
Multi-Audience Reports
Examine the types of multi-audience reports and
their respective purpose
List the ethical and legal implications of multiaudience reports
Integrate report writing basics into multi-audience
reports
Write comprehensive, clear reports that allow the
reader to make informed decisions
Business Communication
Identify the structural elements of a business letter
Write persuasive letters for specific audiences and
purposes.
Identify the structural elements of a memo
Write memos for specific audiences and purposes
Learning
Outcomes
References
1
Handouts – review of multi-audience reports
Incident Report template
Test
Assessment
Evaluation
and
Weighting
Test #1
20%
Portfolio Part A
20%
In Lab use of In-House reports and
completion of report.
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10,
11, 12
Lecture
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, 11, 12
Lecture
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10,
11, 12
Lecture
Case Example: YouTube
.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLolyWnST3w
Examples of Letters and Memos
Intended Learning Activities
1
Durham College Course Outline –WRIT1502 – 2014-2015
Page 5 of 10
Interactive Activity: Review Case
Example and conduct interview for
Completion of Multi-Audience Report
in lab
Interactive Activity: Review Case
Example of serious incident for
completion of Serious Occurrence
Report and/or Incident Report
Write business letter to professor
Sequence of Instruction
Evidence of Learning
Week
9
Intended Learning
Electronic Communication
Identify different types of electronic business
communication
Examine ‘netiquette’
Differentiate between social email and workplace
email
Computer Lab
Write workplace email that is informative and free of
‘texting-style’ spelling, emoticons, and errors
10
11
12
13
Resources and References
Chapters 7 and 9
Est.
Class
Hours
1
Web Resources on Netiquette
http://www.brainpop.com/technology/computersandint
ernet/digitaletiquette/
Cell phones for class
DC connect Email
Chapter 10 and 13
Computer Lab
Work on proposal/presentation/brochure
Handout sample brochures
1
Presentation Skills and Professional Practice
Identify and apply the principles of effective
presentations
Use of body language and vocal quality to deliver a
strong message
Use of self and presentation to others
Chapter 12
1
Computer Lab
Test review
Work on presentation
www.socrative.com
Test # 2
In Class Includes weeks 6-11
Test
Computer Lab
Continue to work on presentations and brochures
Power Point or other Computer Formats
1
Course Review
Power Point or other Computer Formats for
Presentation of Proposal
1
Computer Lab
Student Proposal Presentations
Intended Learning Activities
1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12
Lecture
2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12
Lecture
Assessment
Evaluation
and
Weighting
Group Activity: business use of
texting
1
Proposals and Marketing Material
Describe the components of a service proposal.
Discuss the contents of a basic budget
Complete a sample of a business proposal
Observe the creation of a brochure and create a
brochure for your proposed service.
Final portfolio DUE
Learning
Outcomes
References
1
Samples of Proposals
Think/Pair/Share: poorly crafted
brochures with a live fix up
Interactive Activity: Create Brochure
Web Resources
Lab: Group Activity: business
proposal on service idea
2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12
Interactive Activity: What Not To
Wear
Lab: Group Activity – basic five slide
Power Point or other computer
format
1
1
Lecture
2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12
Test
2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12
Presentations and Discussion
1
Durham College Course Outline –WRIT1502 – 2014-2015
Page 6 of 10
Lab: Group Activity continued –
basic five slide Power Point or other
Computer Format
Test #2
20%
Portfolio Part B
20%
Presentations
10%
Sequence of Instruction
Evidence of Learning
Week
14
Intended Learning
Student feedback
Review and evaluate feedback about course and advice for
future students
Computer Lab
Student proposal presentations
Resources and References
Power Point or other Computer Formats for
Presentations of Proposal
Est.
Class
Hours
1
Learning
Outcomes
References
2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12
Intended Learning Activities
Presentations and Discussion
Assessment
Presentations
Evaluation
and
Weighting
10%
1
Return Portfolio
Course outlines are planning guidelines; actual delivery of content may vary with circumstances. Students will be notified in writing of changes that
involve the addition or deletion of learning outcomes or evaluation, prior to changes being implemented as specified in the Course Outlines Policy
http://www.durhamcollege.ca/about-us/corporate-links/governance/policies.
Professors are responsible for following this outline and facilitating the learning as detailed in this outline.
Durham College Course Outline –WRIT1502 – 2014-2015
Page 7 of 10
Evaluation Criteria:
(A full description of the Academic Appeals Process can be found in your Student Handbook.)
Test #1 (week 5)
20%
Portfolio of Written Assignments Part A (week 7)
20%
Test #2 (week 12)
20%
Portfolio of Written Assignments Part B (week 13)
20%
Presentation (weeks 13 and 14)
10%
In-class Activities (ongoing)
10%
Total
100%
Notes:
1. An interim mark will be determined for all first year students to identify their academic progress. This
mark will be based on the results of the first test and the student’s attendance/participation up to the
mid-term date.
2. A detailed handout outlining expectations and evaluation criteria will be distributed for all
assignments. Specific evaluation criteria will be distributed at that time. One assignment involves
partner and/or group work. If a student cannot work collaboratively within a group the student will
receive a grade of ‘0’ for this assignment.
3. Tests will be closed book. The format for tests will be discussed in class prior to the test date.
4. Class participation, sharing of information and ideas in class discussion and group work will enhance
the student’s own personal and professional growth.
5. A detailed outline of the portfolio of written assignments will be distributed in class. The portfolio will
contain completed lab assignments and demonstrated participation in SALS workshops as specified
in the outline.
Required Text(s) and Supplies:
Record Keeping and Report Writing Custom Text WRIT 1502, ISBN 9781269400831
Recommended Resources:
(purchase optional)
N/A
Durham College Course Outline –WRIT1502 – 2014-2015
Page 8 of 10
Policies and Expectations for the Learning Environment:
General Policies and Expectations:
General College policies related to
General Program policies related to

Acceptable Computer Use

Attendance

Academic Policies


Academic Honesty
Absence related to tests or assignment due
dates

Student Code of Conduct

Excused absences

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities
can be found on-line at
http://www.durhamcollege.ca/academicpolicies

Writing tests and assignments

Classroom management
can be found in the Program Guide. These
guides are available on the main Durham
College website http://www.durhamcollege.ca/
Course Specific Policies and Expectations:
STUDENT CONDUCT: Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. It is
everyone's responsibility to have respect for their peers. Electronic communication devices will be put on
silent or turned off during class. Anyone who disrupts a class to the detriment of the other members of
the class will be asked to leave.
ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend class weekly and participate in all forms of evaluation.
Students are expected to be punctual and to actively participate in class discussions, exercises, activities
and homework related to the course topics. If going to be absent, students are expected to contact the
professor before, or on the day of the scheduled class, should an emergency occur. Arriving late or
leaving early will be assessed as an absent for the lab class attendance grade.
MISSED TESTS: Please refer to your respective program’s Program Guide for details.
IN-PROCESS WORK: Class participation, sharing information and ideas in class discussion and group
work will enhance the student’s own personal and professional growth. The in-process mark is based on
participation during in-class exercises. Attendance checks and/or in-class exercises will be taken or
assigned at the professor's discretion. If a student is absent when attendance is checked or when an
exercise is assigned, s/he will receive a mark of "0" for that attendance check or exercise. This work
cannot be made up or supplemented. Arriving late or leaving early will be considered absent for in
process marks.
Durham College Course Outline –WRIT1502 – 2014-2015
Page 9 of 10
General Course Outline Notes:
1.
Students should use the course outline as a learning tool to guide their achievement of the learning
outcomes for this course. Specific questions should be directed to their individual professor.
2.
The college considers the electronic format (i.e. DC Mail or DC Connect) as the primary channel of
communication. Students should check the sources regularly for current course information.
3.
Professors are responsible for following this outline and facilitating the learning as detailed in this outline.
4.
Course outlines should be retained for future needs (i.e. university credits, transfer of credits etc.)
5.
A full description of the Academic Appeals Process can be found at http://durhamcollege.ca/gradeappeal.
6.
Faculty are committed to ensuring accessible learning for all students. Students with permanent
disabilities who require academic accommodations in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code
should register with the Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD) to initiate in-class
accommodations. The CSD is located in room SW116, Oshawa Campus (or room 180, Whitby
Campus). Call 905-721-3123.
Durham College is committed to the fundamental values of preserving academic integrity. Durham College
and faculty members reserve the right to use electronic means to detect and help prevent plagiarism.
Students agree that by taking this course all assignments could be subject to submission either by
themselves or by the faculty member for a review of textual similarity to Turnitin.com. Further information
about Turnitin can be found on the Turnitin.com Web site.
7.
Outline Template v11.2013
Durham College Course Outline –WRIT1502 – 2014-2015
Page 10 of 10