Table of Contents
1 Preparing the Title Page 1
Page Header 1
Running Head 1
Title 2
Author 2
Author’s Affiliation 2
Additional Information 3
Writing Tips 3
2 Preparing the Table of Contents 5
Writing Tips 6
3 Preparing the Abstract 7
Writing Tips 9
4 Preparing the Introduction 11
Purpose of Paper 11
Importance of Topic 12
Rationale for Choosing Topic 13
Writing Tips 13
5 Preparing the Review of Literature 15
Introductory Paragraph 16
Level Two Headings 16
Level Three Headings 18
Closing Paragraph 18
Writing Tips 19
6 Preparing the Method Section 21
Question or Issue 22
Limitations 22
Variables 23
Population 23
Sampling Process 24
Time Frame 25
Process 25
Data Collection 26
Data Analysis 26
Assessment and Evaluation 27
Writing Tips 28
7 Preparing the Results 29
Quantitative Results 29
Reporting Variables 30
Surveys, Questionnaires, Interviews 31
Qualitative Results 32
Writing Tips 33
8 Preparing the Discussion 35
Review of Literature Paper 36
Summary 36
Interpretation 36
Conclusions 37
Recommendations 37
Research Studies 38
Summary 38
Interpretation 39
Conclusions 40
Recommendations 40
Writing Tips 41
9 Preparing the References 45
Writing Tips 46
10 Bibliography and Appendixes 47
Writing Tips 48
11 Common Problems in Writing Formal Papers 49
Abstract 49
Agreement 50
Among and Between 50
Anthropomorphisms 50
Author Reference 50
Brackets 50
Capitalization 51
Categories 51
Citations 51
Colloquialisms 51
Ellipses 52
Headings 52
Hyphens 52
If as Conditional 52
Justification 52
Language 53
Numbers 53
Quotations 53
Personal Communications 53
Plagiarism 54
Redundancy 54
Referents 54
Spacing 54
Subcategories 55
Superscript and Subscript 55
Syntax 55
Tense 55
That and Who 55
Typeface 56
Voice 56
12 Formal Writing Conventions 57
Organization 57
Syntax 58
Word Usage 59
Tense 59
Quotations and Paraphrases 60
References and Bibliography 61
Other Formal Writing Conventions 61
Additional Applications 62
Summary 62
Writing Tips 63
13 Preparing Formal Reports or White Papers 65
Introduction 65
Background 66
Current Practices/Opinions 67
Conclusions and Recommendations 68
Writing Tips 68
14 Preparing a Guidebook or Handbook 71
Organization 71
Writing Tips 73
15 Preparing a Staff Development Program 75
Needs Assessment 75
Identifying Outcomes 76
Personnel 76
Organizing the Program 77
Presenters 77
Resources 78
Planning for Differentiated Needs 78
Involving Participants 78
Evaluation 79
Writing Tips 79
16 Preparing a Program Evaluation 81
Overview 81
Background Information 82
Steps in the Evaluation Process 83
Writing the Final Report 83
Writing Tips 85
17 Preparing a Grant Proposal 87
Preparing a Grant Proposal 87
Budget Preparation 88
Compliance Issues 88
Writing Tips 89
18 Preparing an Action Research Study 91
Purpose 92
Rationale 92
Intervention 92
Implementation 93
Evaluation 93
Writing Tips 94
19 Preparing a Personal Response Paper 95
Introduction 95
Background Information 96
Discussion 96
Summary 97
Interpretation 97
Conclusions 98
Recommendations 98
Writing Tips 99
20 Writing for Online Courses 101
Parameters and Expectations 101
Threaded Discussions 102
Chats 102
Communication 103
Evaluations 104
Podcasts and Video 104
Blogs and Wikis 105
Writing Tips 106
21 Preparing Curriculum 107
Selecting Standards 108
Identifying Objectives 108
Time Frame 109
Classroom Structures 109
Primary Program Materials 110
Group Structures 110
Technology 110
Cognitive Levels 111
Teaching Strategies 112
SDAIE Strategies 114
Assessment 115
Instructional Processes/Outcomes 116
Reflection 116
Writing Tips 117
22 End Note 119
References 121
Appendix A: Checklists for Sections of Formal Papers and Writing 123
Appendix B: Suggested Scoring Rubrics 149
Appendix C: Suggested Evaluation Guide 151
Appendix D: Format for Presentation of Paper 153
Appendix E: Sample References 155
Appendix F: Preparing Surveys and Questionnaires 159
Appendix G: Elements of Formal Grammar Usage 161
Glossary of Terms 167
Model Paper 175
Standards and Creative Planning 177
Index 197
