PD11: Processes for Technical Report Writing

PD11: Processes for Technical Report Writing gives you the tools you need to write compelling, thorough technical reports.

Great reports aren’t just thrown together with abandon: they take focused research, careful consideration of the intended audience, and a thorough review process to reach their potential. In PD11 you'll begin developing the analytical, critical thinking and report writing skills necessary for clear, compelling reports. 

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What will you do in PD11?

  • Improve your report writing skills through research and analysis. 
  • Identify workplace problems worth solving. 
  • Write and refine a technical report using personalized peer feedback. 

Grading information

To pass PD11, you must satisfy both requirements below: 

  •  earn a grade of 50%. 

  • earn a grade of 50% on their final report. 

If you have a question about grading in PD11, contact the course team. 

Course instructor

Jay Dolmage

Jay Dolmage 

Dr. Dolmage is a professor in the Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Waterloo, and the associate chair of the Undergraduate Communication Outcome Initiative (UCOI). He studied English Literature and Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia and then completed an MA in Creative Writing and English Literature at the University of Windsor and fell in love with teaching writing. 

He has always been involved in disability rights issues and advocacy. During work towards his PhD at Miami University of Ohio, he discovered that he could bring his interest in disability into the study and teaching of rhetoric and writing. His recent book Disability Rhetoric focuses on the rhetorical history of disability. He is also the founding editor of the Canadian Journal of Disability Studies.

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Student testimonials

The course undoubtedly helped me develop skills to improve my ability to write a technical report. The Waterloo Writing Works modules were also useful in sharpening my writing skills. The course was very well laid out and organized, with plenty of resources available for use.

It was a good introduction to technical report writing. I learned proper formatting and how to write a memorandum of submittal. It also taught me how to effectively brainstorm problems in my workplace and helped me develop my investigation skills.

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Questions about PD courses?