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This Guide is to assist authors (people who create original content) in the preparation of course material. It outlines submission requirements, explains the requirements of creating or sourcing graphics, suggests resource material to help with the writing structure, and provides a framework to follow. As well, an explanation of CPS-ECP workflow procedures for the production of course material is provided.

Why a guide? Clarity is critical if readers are to easily understand the text. Every sentence must be written such that the intended meaning is extremely clear.

If a passage can be misinterpreted, it will be misinterpreted—at least by some readers. This is invariably a source of trouble and, sometimes, anger. Any instructors involved will receive a barrage of complaints. Revision and careful editing is therefore essential.

It is important that material be as consistent as possible. With different authors each writing a section, it is critical that, when joined together, the complete work is as seamless as possible—both in the quality of writing, and in editorial standards. It will save a great deal of effort later in the process if authors follow this guide throughout the writing and editing process.

The creation of course material is a collaborative effort, and begins with the Educational Department’s National Education Executive Committee. (NEEC). The NEEC sets the course outline and learning objectives. Committee Chairs are responsible for generating and moderating content which will meet the learning objectives.

The Committee Chair assembles a committee from CPS-ECP volunteers to compile, edit and review material. The Committee Chair will coordinate the assignment of work to committee members and coordinate the subsequent review and editorial cycles. Finally, the Committee Chair will send the completed work to the Editorial Review Committee and will work with that committee to further refine the work.

Under the direction of the National Educational Officer or the Assistant National Education Officer (ANEO) the Committee Chair will be responsible for the following:

• Recruit and select a committee with the expertise required to complete the project.

• Maintain a content (subject/topic/sub-topic) database.

• Schedule production activities of content components.

• Locate and establish relationships with information sources (organizations and people) to be used in the development and authentication of content components.

• Confirm the authenticity of information for the course material and ensure that the work is original.

• Establish and manage the editorial framework of resources and process for the course material.

• Request the National Office Graphics department to construct all diagrams, photographs and other illustrations. This requires close and continuous co-operation as the graphics are developed.

• Send reviewed material to the Editorial Review Committee.

• Send reviewed exams and tests to the Exam Review Committee.

The contact information of the National Office Graphics Department, Chair of the Editorial Review Committee and Chair of the Exam Review Committee is listed in the National Directory, which is available from the National Office, or from the CPS-ECP web site.

The remainder of this section is an outline of the responsibilities for authors:

The complete package produced by an author will include all of the following:

a)  Table of Contents: list of sections and subsections

b)  Learning Objectives: Define what the student:

• will be able to do

• will learn

• will be able to find

The learning objectives should be placed at the beginning of each chapter.

c) Prior Knowledge Recommendations: Create a table of prior knowledge required so that the students can maximize the learning value from the course.

d) Body: Write the content of the course material, again dividing the material into sections andsubsections.

e) Illustrations: These are the responsibility of the author. Contact the Chair of the Graphic Committee before beginning to develop any illustrations. Refer to Section 2.0.

f) Development of draft illustrations is discussed in Section 7.0.

g) Bibliography: Create a listing of the resources consulted in preparing the material, and recommended reading for the student.

h) Credits: The author and organizations which have contributed to the preparation of the material will be credited on the copyright page.

i) Self-test: Prepare a self-test quiz that tests the student’s comprehension against the stated learning objectives. For homework questions, the instructor and proctor usually hold separate answer booklets. The answer booklet should provide feedback on where to find remedial information; usually by indicating the appropriate sections in the Student