Designing handouts

A well designed handout that is clear and accessible is of benefit to learners - and particularly disabled learners. It can be on paper or digital.

Only give as handouts:

material you actually use or start to use in class.
specific further reading or an activity for homework

All handouts these days should be prepared on computer. These make them adjustable so students with disabilities such as visual impairment or dyslexia can adjust size and background to meet their needs.

Task: Evaluating two handouts

As part of an Introduction to Coaching course, the tutor is discussing the difference between coaching and other helping roles. Evaluate the two handouts below. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Jot down your reasons.

(You can expand each handout by clicking on document then the expand icon in the corner. Once expanded. you can download the doc to your computer via the file menu if you wish)

Introduction to Coaching: Different roles. Handout 1

What are Coaching and Mentoring

Introduction to Coaching Course: Different Roles. Handout 2

description of different roles

Layout tips

Make sure your handout includes the following:

Clear headings in bold
Shorter active sentences.
12 pt font in Arial or a similar non serifed face (benefits dyslexic and some other learners)
1.5+ line spacing
Accompanying pictures or other visuals to illustrate your point, if possible
Lots of white space
If you expect your students to write on the handout, then check they have enough space to do so.

More advanced level handouts

You may feel that these tips don't apply to theoretical handouts for more advanced courses where there is a lot of information to convey.

However, you will see that the same principles apply below in this handout from a Music Theory course.

Serifed fonts such as Times Roman are better to use for longer texts as the serifs aid reading.

Exploring classical music edited

Thanks to Nathalie Augé and Ed Breen for materials used on this page

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