6A Writing A report

1 SPEAKING In pairs, discuss what type of work experience might be offered to students in local media, education, retail outlets, public services and hospitality.

2 10.12 Listen to a college student talking about her work experience and answer the questions.

1 What was her work experience?

2 Why does she refer to it as ‘weird’?

3 What did she have to do?

4 How does she think it benefitted her?

5 What improvements would she like to see for a future work placement?

3 Read the student’s report below. What do you think is positive and negative about the report?

I was at Petra Primary School for three weeks as my work placement and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The kids were all great and the teacher Mrs Allaham was amazing! I helped her out with all the lesson prep and cleared up the classroom afterwards. I also got to help out during the lessons and went round the class to see if the kids were doing the right things.

The whole experience was beneficial to me and now I know that I really want to be a teacher. It was also a welcome break from college and exams! It was a lot of fun and I think it’s cool for students like me to see what we’re letting ourselves in for before we choose a career. I certainly didn’t get bored. I was sad to leave and

I really hope to keep in touch with the kids. Thanks for everything, Mrs Allaham!

I hope your next teaching assistant appreciates your advice as much as I did.

4 Study the Writing box and tick what the writer has NOT done in the report in

Exercise 3.

WRITING | A report

When writing a report you should:

• □ clearly state the topic of the report in an introduction.
• □ outline what will be included in the report.
• □ use formal and objective language throughout.
• □give headings to the individual sections.
• □describe events succinctly.
• □ avoid repetition by using rephrasing, reference devices or substitution.
• □ make clear recommendations with justification and anticipated outcomes.
• □ link the conclusion to the rest of the report.

  Language

• Signalling intent in a report

  This report is intended to ... The purpose of this report is to … This report sets out to ... The report will comment on … This report will serve as a record of ...

• Concluding a report

  All in all, ... Overall, this experience ... If these recommendations are implemented ...

5 Read the report on page 57. Has the writer done what the task requires? LESSON 6A WRITING | A report INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this report is to describe my work experience as a teaching assistant at

Petra Primary School, evaluate the benefits and recommend any changes that could improve the experience for future work placements.

I was assigned Year 1 Group B, and my duties entailed supporting both the children and their teacher, Mrs Cooper. It was part of my routine to set up the classroom, ensuring that all the relevant supplies were in place, and clear everything away after the lessons. This involved, for example, putting books away and cleaning paint pots. During classes, I circulated to give additional assistance to the children.

BENEFITS

The experience was beneficial to me in many ways, not least giving me an insight into the learning processes in young children. I was also made aware of the commitment required by the teacher and the need for effective classroom management techniques to control a large group of boisterous six-year-olds. Mrs Cooper maintained discipline without dampening the children’s enthusiasm.

FOR FUTURE PLACEMENTS It is hard to overestimate the benefits of this type of work experience for students who are considering a teaching career. I would recommend that in the future, teaching assistants be allowed more responsibility, such as giving extra reading practice to children who are struggling in the group.

Observation of more than one level could also be taken into consideration. These things would give a wider picture of what primary teaching entails.

CONCLUSION

Overall, my experience was extremely positive, and I would definitely recommend it for future work placements.

REPORT ON 6 In pairs, read the Writing task and discuss why young people might want to spend a period of time working in another country. Think about the points below.

contacts different culture friends and family language new working environment personal development

You decided to spend some time working in another country before starting university and you used a company to find a placement and make the arrangements.

The company has asked you to write a report on your experience. Your report should:

• outline what the work experience involved,
• explain what (if any) benefits you got from the experience,
• evaluate the company that found the placement,
• make recommendations for how the placement and arrangements could be improved for future students.

7 WRITING TASK Read the notes. What else would you add? Use your ideas from Exercise 6 and write your report.

Use the Graphic Organiser to help you plan your writing.

6 weeks – international legal firm – observing / some translation, etc.

Good – picked up some language, good to compare systems – very big firm, didn’t get to know many people Most arrangements good – quick responses to queries, travel arrangements OK, accommodation NOT good – changed twice Suggest – better vetting of accommodation, maybe smaller firm, better communication?

□ I can write a report.