Word Processing-MLA Report Format-Teacher Tips

• Print the handouts linked below, and make enough copies for your students.
• Locate keys and other materials in your Teach drive--see T:drive references below.

• Discuss how using an accepted style of report format and documentation can help students get a better grade.  Ask them what rules their teachers give when they require a report.  Then open the K9 unformatted document and format it together following the MLA steps K9 handout, filling in the blanks along the way.  Students will need access to the Beamer image, so be sure to place a copy in your Tech Connections student access folder.  Ask students to open their Print Preview so you can visually check the document and collect the handouts. (60 minutes)  Find beamer.JPG, the K9 Handout Key, and the K9 Finished Document in your T: drive.

• Find out what your students are reading for Freshman English.  Guide them through a proper citation on the board (author, page, etc.) to get a feel for how much the group knows about writing citations.  Distribute the MLA works cited handout.  Open Word and Diana Hacker's web site together, and guide them through the first source. If this work is very challenging for your students, go through every source as a group.   Encourage them to place the Diana Hacker site in favorites. (45 minutes)

  A note about web sites in citations. Word will automatically create a hyperlink when you press Enter after typing a URL.  Teach students one of these methods to remove the hyperlink:

  • Immediately press Backspace, OR
  • Select the link, right click, choose Edit Hyperlink, then choose Remove Link

  The MLA Works Cited Page Key is in your T:drive.

• Distribute the MLA in-text citations handout and have them answer the first question in their own words.  After hearing their responses, make sure they have the idea.  Look for answers such as:

•  Because it's the right thing to do.

•  So you don't get in trouble.

•  So you aren't stealing (plagiarizing) someone's work.

•  To give the author credit for his/her work.

•  So if the information is wrong, at least your teacher knows you didn't make it up.

•  To give the reader an opportunity to go to the source to learn more or to check your research.

For the remaining answers, consult the MLA In-text Citations Key in your T: drive.

 

• The final challenge is the Harrison report.   Open a finished copy (either Times New Roman or Arial, found on your T: Drive), and show them what they will need to create. See teacher tips for ideas. The K9 handout and the web site are good resources. (60-90 minutes depending on the group)

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